The chastening of love!

(Octavius Winslow)

"For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives." Hebrews 12:6

Oh, could we always analyze the embittered cup-how astonished would we be to find that in the bitterest draught that ever touched our lips, the principal ingredient was love!

Divine love saw the discipline to be needful.
Divine love selected the chastisement which was sent.
Divine love appointed the instrument by which it should come.
Divine love arranged the circumstances by which it should take place.
Divine love fixed the time when it should transpire.
Divine love determined the duration of the affliction.
Divine love heard the sigh.
Divine love saw the tear.
Divine love marked the anguish.
Divine love never for one moment withdrew its beaming eye from the sufferer.

Alas! How much this precious truth is overlooked by the disciplined and suffering believer!

Think, suffering child of God, of the many consoling, alleviating and soothing circumstances connected with your chastisement. Think of . . .
  the many divine supports,
  the precious promises,
  the tenderness of God,
  the gentleness of Christ,
and all this will demonstrate to you that this is the chastening of love!

Welcome your trials; they are sent by your heavenly Father.

Welcome the stroke of His rod; it is your loving Parent smiting.

Welcome whatever detaches you from earth, and wings your spirit heavenward.

Welcome the furnace that consumes the dross and the tin, and brings out the precious gold and silver-to reflect in your soul, even now, the dawnings of future glory.

Oh! be submissive, meek, and quiet under God's chastening and afflicting hand!

"Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline." Revelation 3:19

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If you desire additional reading, may we suggest James Smith's precious one page article, "The Love of Jesus!"