The Lord chastens those He loves [July 23,2022 ]

Daily Word 🇬🇭

The Lord chastens those He loves
Hosea 6:1-2
Come, let us return to the Lord
He has torn us to pieces but He will heal us;
He has injured us but He will bind up our wounds
After two days He will revive us; on the third day He will restore us, that we may live in His presence

The biblical meaning of chastening is to correct by punishment or suffering. An example can be found in the passage above from the book of Hosea in the bible.

God sometimes corrects or improves on our character and fruitfulness through a process of trials and temptations in order to yield the desired results.

God loves us too much to allow us to wallow in sin and disobedience which would eventually lead us into eternal suffering in hell fire.

James 1:2-4 says
I am paraphrasing, we pass through diverse temptations because it will make us perfect.

John 15:1-2
I am the vine, and my father is the husbandman (gardener in some translations). Every branch in me that beareth not fruit He taketh away: and every branch that beareth fruit, He purgeth ( prunes) that it may bring forth more fruit.

This passage from the new testament gives the same message as the one from the old testament. Pruning involves pain and suffering because unproductive parts of you which you may love are being cut off.

Through the pain and suffering you become a better person and you are more useful to God and those around you
God be with you

How can I apply the word to my life?
1. Do not complain and murmur when you pass through trials. Pray for God to help you to understand and learn what He wants you to.

Prayer
Think about the words of this hymn

Be still my soul
The Lord is on thy side
Bear patiently
The cross of grief or pain
Leave to thy Lord to order and provide
In every change
He faithful will remain
Be still my soul
Thy best, thy heavenly friend
Through thorny ways
Leads to a joyful end.
Amen