THE BLESSING OF CHASTISEMENT
“Blessed is the man whom thou chastenest, O LORD, and teachest him out of thy law;” Psalm 94:12
Most of us have probably never heard anyone speak enthusiastically about what a blessing it is to be chastised. Going through correction, whether from a parent who is teaching us, or from our Lord who instructs us, is not at all pleasant. Our text and much personal experience teach us that THE BLESSED MAN will experience and endure chastening. Although correction is painful, it can truly bring blessing.
Why would we consider chastisement a blessing? Chastisement is a sign of sonship. We are reminded that we belong to God when He corrects us. The writer of Hebrews says, “If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons” (Hebrews 12:7). Anyone who can sin and not be chastised is not a child of God. It also says that the Lord “scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Hebrews 12:6). Every true Christian will experience chastening, and it is evidence that God is our Father. It is not enjoyable to be chastened, but it lets us know that God is concerned about the welfare and conduct of His children.
Chastisement is also a manifestation of God’s love. Although there are parents who may correct their children in anger, this should not be the case. The Bible says, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth” (Hebrews 12:6). God corrects us because He loves us. When our Heavenly Father disciplines us because we sin, it lets us know that He cares. He loves us too much to let us continue in our selfish and sinful living.
Another reason we might say that chastisement is a blessing is because it is a deterrent from disobedience. One of the reasons we correct our children is to cause them to do what is right and to discourage them from sin. God’s chastening serves us in the same way. It is good for us to experience God’s hand of loving discipline that we might learn not to disobey Him. A healthy fear of God encourages us to turn from our sin.
In addition, we consider chastisement a blessing because it builds character in us. Hebrews 12:10, 11 teaches us that we are chastened “that we might be partakers of his holiness,” and that chastisement “yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness.” God’s chastisement helps us become what we know we ought to be.