Just as a human father accepts the responsibility of disciplining and instructing his children, so does God ...
My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when He rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and He chastens everyone He accepts as His son. Hebrews 12:5-6
It is important to note that 'discipline' is not the same as 'condemnation' ... discipline has to do with training and growth; condemnation has to do with punishment and guilt (which the Son of God bore on your behalf).
There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Romans 8:1
Discipline has both positive and negative aspects. It not only acts as a 'schoolmaster' who encourages, educates, and guides; it also reproves and corrects when you are disobedient ... (God's form of 'tough love').
It is for discipline that you endure; God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom his father does not discipline? But if you are without discipline, of which all have become partakers, then you are illegitimate children and not sons. Hebrews 12:7-8
The Word of God also trains those who've surrendered their lives to Jesus Christ.
All Scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work. 2 Timothy 3:16-17
Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth. 2 Timothy 2:15
The Lord’s discipline may seem most pronounced after you've sinned. Remember that His chastisement is meant to be corrective ... not damning. David acknowledged that he deserved divine wrath when he fell, but longed for the fatherhood aspect of God to be displayed ...
Charles Spurgeon paraphrased Psalm 38 - Rebuked I must be, for I am an erring child and thou a careful Father, but throw not too much anger into the tones of thy voice; deal gently although I have sinned grievously. The anger of others I can bear, but not thine. . . . Chasten me if thou wilt, it is a Father’s prerogative, and to endure it obediently is a child's duty; but, O turn not the rod into a sword, smite not so as to kill. True, my sins might well inflame thee, but let thy mercy and long-suffering quench the glowing coals of thy wrath. O let me not be treated as an enemy or dealt with as a rebel. Bring to remembrance thy covenant, thy fatherhood, and my feebleness, and spare thy servant.
Satan would have you believe that God is an angry dictator, but all of His wrath was poured out on Calvary. He unconditionally loves those who put faith in His Son's substitutionary sacrifice ...
But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since we have now been justified by his blood, how much more shall we be saved from God’s wrath through him! For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life! Romans 5:8-10
The Lord continues to work on you, as does a potter with clay ... His discipline is for your good and His glory.
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