April 23

for the LORD disciplines the one He loves, as does a father the son in whom he delights. — Prov 3:12 BSB

We tend to think about it the wrong way.

A child might say, “My father doesn’t love me because he’s so strict with me,” and then point to another child whose father lets him do whatever he wants without any rules or discipline. “That father loves his son and is always kind to him,” the child might think.

It may seem that way in the moment. But being left without discipline, without correction, without any guidance, isn’t a sign of love. A father who allows this is letting his child head toward destruction. The father who corrects and disciplines is trying to save his child. So, discipline is actually a sign of love. God disciplines us because He wants to save us and shape us into something better.

It should comfort us to know that when we face trials and hardships, it’s not a sign that God doesn’t love us—it’s actually the opposite. It’s proof of our heavenly Father’s deep care and affection for us.