The Loving Rebuke.

"Faithful are the wounds of a friend: but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful." (Proverbs 27:6)

As we close this week, let's consider one thing Pastor Benji mentioned, ever so briefly, in the middle of his sermon:

Even God's rebuke and chastisement is done in love.

Yes, God is love (see First John 4:8). And, because He loves us, He lovingly brings us into fellowship with Himself; He lovingly corrects us when we sin; He lovingly warns us to obey Him. The psalmist David rejoices in His experience of God's rebuke: "Before I was afflicted I went astray; but now have I kept Thy word" (Psalm 119:67); ""I know, O LORD, that Thy judgements are right, and that Thou in faithfulness hast afflicted me" (Psalm 119:75).

Perhaps some of you have children, or know children, whom you've had to correct in love. There's always that classic example of the toddler who lingers too close to the stove, or who reaches for a harmful object, and who is in a situation that requires immediate intervention. From the toddler's standpoint, it seems a painful and unexplained action. But, from the perspective of the adult, it's an action that demonstrates true love because it saves the child from dire harm.

Friends, God sees so much more than we ever will. He is the One who knows the end from the beginning. We can trust Him to always do what is best for us, even if it means we suffer chastisement, rebuke, loss of property, or loss of status. If our suffering is God's way of saving us from dire harm, then we should be so glad for every time God has stepped in to help us (even if we weren't conscious of needing help).

Lord, how we thank You for Your love. Please help us to reflect Your love to everyone around us: for healing, salvation, deliverance, protection, and peace. In Jesus's name, Amen.