"God's love is the kind of love that cares enough to discipline you, not to pay you back, but to bring you back."

Perhaps one of most difficult concepts for young believers is that God does NOT punish his children. All of our punishment was laid on Jesus at the Cross. If this were not so, if there were the slightest sin remaining to be punished, then God's infinite justice would require an infinite punishment -- "eternal destruction from the presence of the Lord."

But while there remains no punishment for the believer, God does chasten his children. He does discipline them.

What is the difference? Punishment looks toward the past. Chastening looks toward the future. Punishment deals with an action. Chastening works on our character.


My favorite illustration of chastening or discipline is the tree stake. A young tree that is slightly bent, if not corrected, will continue to grow crookedly all of its life. The wise arborist will pull on the young tree, forcing it to straighten out, and then tie it to a very strong, very straight stake. Constant pressure is ensured so that a strong, straight mature tree will result.

Imagine this from the young tree's point view!

"Ouch! My whole life hurts!!"
"Why doesn't God give me a break?"
"Why do things always seem to go wrong?"
"I'm just trying to live my life; why won't God help me?"
"If he really loved me, he'd let up a little bit!!

But he won't let up. He's the one who is straightening you, conforming you to the image of his own Son. One day, when you're older and wiser, you'll look back and say, 'Thank you!'

But today, when it hurts so much, talk to your Father about it. Talking and listening will speed up the process. And drink lots of the water of the word; water will keep you pliable, and it helps to take the sting out.

And remember this, above all else, your heavenly Father loves you.