As many as I love, I rebuke and chasten. Revelation 3:19
As you read the Gospels, notice that some of Jesus’ sharpest rebukes were directed to those He loved the most. He told Peter, “Get behind Me, Satan!” (Matthew 16:23) To Martha he said, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things. But one thing is needed, and Mary has chosen that good part” (Luke 10:41-42). He told His disciples, “Why are you fearful, O you of little faith” (Matthew 8:26). In Luke 9:55, Jesus rebuked James and John, telling them, “You do not know what manner of spirit you are of.”
Jesus never rebukes us to tear us down but to build us up. When He reproves us, it’s to prove His love. Sometimes He uses whispers of the Holy Spirit (our conscience) to rebuke us. Sometimes it’s a sermon, a book, a song, or an article. Occasionally He will send another person to admonish us. As you read the Bible, sometimes a verse will bring conviction.
Don’t shrug off the chastening word. As many as He loves, He rebukes and chastens. But it’s always out of love and designed to help us, to make us pleasing to Him and more effective in our service for the Kingdom.
Chastening is not God getting even—it is preparing that person for something better, more valuable, and worthwhile. (R. T. Kendall)
Adapted from Dr. David Jeremiah Devotional