God chastises us to correct us from our wrongs and to bring us back into his loving arms. He does not want us to deviate from his plans for our lives. He wants us to be where he is in eternity. Jesus said in John 14: 3 and if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, so that where I am, there you may be also. The key reason is for our divine welfare.
God admonishes or chastises or reproofs us for many other reasons aside from what we have stated above. We need a discerning spirit of God to uncover that. Solomon asked God in 1Kings 3: 9 give your servant therefore an understanding mind to govern your people, able to discern between good and evil. God granted his request in 1Kings 4: 29. The reasons include as follows:
For us to bear fruits
Jesus said in John 15: 2 he removes every branch in me that bears no fruit. Every branch that bears fruit he prunes to make it bear more fruit. When we are not fruitful as we should, God will censure us to bear fruit according to his purpose for our creation. When we bear no fruit at all, he will still scorn us once we have life just in case we will change our ways.
Jesus said in Matthew 3: 10; 7: 19; Luke 3: 9 even now the axe is lying at the root of the trees; every tree therefore that does not bear good fruit is cut down and thrown into the fire. The fruits we sometimes bear are not worthy. Jesus said in Luke 3: 8 bear fruits worthy of repentance. Only in Jesus shall we bear worthy fruit, John 15: 4-5. God is glorified if we bear much fruit, John 15: 8, 16.
God hates a sinner’s death
God does not want us to die in our sins. Eternity in hell is not pleasant. 2Peter 3: 9 says the Lord is not slow about his promise, as some think of slowness, but is patient with you, not wanting any to perish, but all to come to repentance. Some of our desires and wants will lead to death and when God denies us, we complain. It is for our own good that we are denied.
Proverbs 14: 12; 16: 25 say there is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way of death. God who is the Alpha and Omega always knows the end of the road we take and by his love through Christ Jesus he always chastises us but we often do not listen. We must be careful to avoid a sinner’s death. Matthew 16: 26; Mark 8: 36 Luke 9: 25 says for what will it profit them if they gain the whole world but forfeit their life? Or what will they give in return for their life?
To show God’s love
John 3: 16 says for God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life. Based on God’s love, he will reprimand us when we go astray or when we are going wayward. Romans 5: 8 says but God proves his love for us in that while we still were sinners Christ died for us. God will not let the blood of Jesus go to waste.
Whatever pain or depravity we go through by God’s punishment it is for our good. Romans 8: 28 says we know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. Even in our rebellion, Deuteronomy 7: 9 states God maintains covenant loyalty with those who love him and keep his commandment. God has the love of a good shepherd. Jesus said in John 10: 11 I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep. Our lives are precious to God.
God wants to perfect our lives
God wants our lives to be perfect as his because we bear his image. Deuteronomy 32: 4 says the Rock, his work is perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God, without deceit, just and upright is he. This is God’s standard for us when he reproofs us. Jesus said in Matthew 5: 48 be perfect, therefore as your heavenly Father is perfect. Without his reproof, we cannot be perfect except by his Holy Spirit.
There is none perfect except God. 2Samuel 22: 31; Psalms 18: 30 state, this God– his way is perfect; the promise of the Lord proves true; he is a shield for all who take refuge in him. God revives our soul when he punishes us. Psalms 19: 7 says the law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the decrees of the LORD are sure, making wise the simple. God’s love for us is pure and perfect. God knows as is written in Hebrews 9: 27 we die once and thereafter judgment and there is no second time to experiment (paraphrased).
God shows us knowledge
God knows that experience is the best teacher. He therefore allows us to suffer the consequences of our ill actions to learn from it. Our wrong actions are often based on lack of divine wisdom which leads us to eternal death. God allows us to learn wisdom the hard way so we may not forget. Hosea 4: 6 says my people perish for lack of knowledge.
When we have acquired the knowledge God wants us to know, he says in Revelation 3: 11 I am coming soon; hold fast to what you have, so that no one may seize your crown. What we have is the blood of Jesus and the faith in it by which we are saved. This knowledge is eternal beyond the physical. God does not want us to go back to our vomit as it is stated in 2Peter 2: 22, the dog turns back to its own vomit. Wisdom and knowledge acquired through reprimand will be indelible on our hearts and minds always.
It is within God plan to mature us
God allows challenges to come our way if he trusts us to overcome them. Such was the case of Job. Satan wanted to tempt Job because the Lord said in Job 2: 3 there is no one like him on earth, a blameless and upright man who fears God and turns away from evil. He still persists in his integrity, although you incited me against him, to destroy him for no reason. Job proved God’s trust in him right and Satan wrong.
Paul also says in 2Thessalonians 3: 3 but the Lord is faithful; he will strengthen you and guard you from the evil one. When we are afflicted, we must rely on God for strength. Paul says in Romans 5: 3-5 suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not disappoint because God’s love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit that has been given to us. Our chastisement is not new or peculiar to only us. He continued in Romans 8: 28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
Paul said further in 1Corinthians 10: 13 no testing has overcome you that is not common to everyone. God is faithful, and he will not let you be tested beyond your strength, but with the testing he will also provide the way out so that you may be able to endure it. We read from Psalms 34: 19 many are the afflictions of the righteous, but the LORD rescues them from them all. When God trusts you, he will work out your chastisement to his glory so you do not fall.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, help us to accept your chastisement since it is for our good. Soften our hearts to know your instructions to live aright. Humble us to walk on narrow roads with joy. Having bought us with your precious blood, bring us back to your fold as the good shepherd. We thank you for being interested in our welfare. We submit to your authority in your holy name, Amen!!
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