For whom the Lord loveth He correcteth, even as a father the son in whom he delighteth.
The characteristics of fatherly chastisement
The paternal relation is frequently ascribed to the Almighty, as that in which He stands to His people and servants. This reminds them that they are placed by Him under discipline, and that, if they offend, they must expect to receive chastisement.
I. A father will chastise his son with reluctance. He will try all other means first. When he does chastise it will be as one that yields to a painful necessity. So God “does not afflict willingly.” We cannot explain the reasons of the distinctions which are made by Divine Providence, apparently without respect to differences of character in the subjects of them. There are circumstances lying too deep for human view, which justify God’s ways.
II. A father will chasten his son with tenderness. He may be severe, he will not be cruel. When God chastens, it is in tenderness; when He sends affliction, He mitigates its severity, and does not permit it utterly to lay waste our comforts. His afflictions leave no permanently injurious effects.
III. A father will chasten his son with a view to his profit. The good of his child is his great and ultimate object. God has many gracious ends to serve by affliction. It may be designed--
1. To restrain us when we are ready to enter on sinful courses.
2. They may operate as seasonable mementoes in regard to the insecurity of our state here, and the necessity of preparing to meet our God.
3. They may be designed to try and call into exercise Christian graces, to wean our affections from the world, to awaken holy desires after God and heaven. (James Henderson, D.D.)
