Correction with a Kiss

Although a believer in Christ as a young adult, whenever something went wrong in my life I would ask, “why is God punishing me?” Eventually I came to learn that He does not “punish” us; however just as a parent disciplines their child out of love, so does our Father in heaven. I know of parents who don’t believe in disciplining their children and I don’t judge anyone in the choices they make. As for myself and being a mother, I strongly believe in discipline when my kids were younger and now that they’re adults they continue to thank me for it realizing that it was necessary in teaching them core values. It didn’t matter to me if my children grew up to be rich or famous, but that they would be successful in by being good hearted kind people. This was my take away from the following devotional regarding a another form of love.

( Our Daily Bread devotional from May 24, 2024 by Sheridan Voysey)

God disciplines us for our good, in order that we may share in his holiness.

Hebrews 12:10

In his parable The Wise Woman, George MacDonald tells the story of two girls, whose selfishness brings misery to all, including themselves, until a wise woman puts them through a series of tests to help them become “lovely” again.

After the girls fail each test and suffer shame and isolation, one of them, Rosamond, finally realizes she can’t change herself. “Couldn’t you help me?” she asks the wise woman. “Perhaps I could,” the woman replied, “now that you ask me.” And with the divine help symbolized by the wise woman, Rosamond begins to change. She then asks if the woman would forgive all the trouble she’s caused. “If I had not forgiven you,” the woman says, “I would never have taken the trouble to punish you.”

There are times when God disciplines us. It’s important to understand why. His correction isn’t driven by retribution but by a fatherly concern for our welfare (Hebrews 12:6). He also desires that we may “share in his holiness,” enjoying a harvest of “righteousness and peace” (vv. 10-11). Selfishness brings misery, but holiness makes us whole, joyful, and “lovely” like Him.

Rosamond asks the wise woman how she can love a selfish girl like her. Stooping to kiss her, the woman replies, “I saw what you were going to be.” God’s correction too comes with love and a desire to make us who we’re meant to be.

Reflect & Pray

How have you understood God’s discipline in the past? How might He have disciplined you recently in order to make you more lovely?

Father God, thank You for Your correction, as painful as it can be. You bring it for my good.