"FOR WHOM THE LORD LOVETH HE CHASTENETH." The Lord treats us as children; He speaks in reference to our afflictions which are His chastisements; these are sent in love; when we are chastened we are judged of the Lord, that we may not be condemned with the world. Let us not faint under them, nor should we despise them. We do so when we think there is no occasion for them, and that we could do as well or better without them. We despise them if we do not seek to ascertain the reason why they are sent, or to learn the lessons they are intended to teach. We despise them if we do not acknowledge the Lord's right to chasten, His love in doing it, and His wisdom in the time, nature, and duration of the trial. We despise them if we do not seek grace to submit cheerfully or at least silently, and to glorify God in it. We despise them if we do not seek to be improved in our knowledge, sanctity, and spiritual vigour, by it or if with a carnal attitude, we seek to be delivered from it. Beloved, let us beware of despising divine chastisement in any of these ways; but let us glorify God in the day of visitation.

For Meditation:
Father, if Thou must reprove
For all that I have done,
Not in anger, but in love,
Chastise Thy wayward son:
Correct with kind severity,
And make me one with Thee.