Whom the lord loves is chasten

​“But when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.” (1 Corinthians 11:32)

Social researcher, Brene Brown, proposes that “Perfectionism is a self-destructive and addictive belief system that fuels this primary thought: If I look perfect and do everything perfectly, I can avoid or minimize the painful feelings of blame, judgement, and shame.” 

When we are encouraged in Matthew 5:48, to be “Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father in heaven is perfect.” This is our way of actually striving for spiritual maturity. This is the only perfection that can be attained. 

Those of us who believe that we are perfect are in actuality hiding behind a false reality. It is when we are chastened by God that we are reminded that we are not. Although painful, His chastisement is a reflection of His love and a sign that we belong to Him. There is no blame, judgment, or shame in the chastisement of God.

“You know that a man will see a great deal that is wrong with children in the street, and say nothing about it; but if it is his own who is up to mischief, he will give him a sweet taste of the rod. So, if you belong to God, you cannot sin deeply without having a present judgment, a present discipline; and you ought to be thankful for it, painful though it may seem to be for the time, for «when we are judged, we are chastened of the Lord, that we should not be condemned with the world.»” (Charles Spurgeon)

A chastened child is a child that is love, “For whom the Lord loves He chastens.” (Hebrews 12:6)

GiGi❤️

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