The chastening of love! by Octavius Winslow (1808-1878)

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“For the Lord disciplines the one He loves, and chastises every son whom He receives.” Hebrews 12:6

Oh, could we always analyze the embittered cup–how astonished would we be to find that in the bitterest draught that ever touched our lips, the principal ingredient was love!

Divine love that…

saw the discipline to be needful
selected the chastisement which was sent
appointed the instrument by which it should come
arranged the circumstances by which it should take place
fixed the time when it should transpire
determined the duration of the affliction
heard the sigh
saw the tear
marked the anguish, and
never for one moment withdrew its beaming eye from the sufferer.

Alas! How much this precious truth is overlooked by the disciplined and suffering believer! Think, suffering child of God, of the many consoling, alleviating and soothing circumstances connected with your chastisement.

Think of the…

many divine supports,
precious promises,
tenderness of God, and
gentleness of Christ.

All this will demonstrate to you that this is the chastening of love!

Therefore, Welcome

your trials; they are sent by your heavenly Father.
the stroke of His rod; it is your loving Parent smiting.
whatever detaches you from earth, and wings your spirit heavenward.
the furnace that consumes the dross and the tin, and brings out the precious gold and silver–to reflect in your soul, even now, the dawnings of future glory.

Oh! be submissive, meek, and quiet under God’s chastening and afflicting hand!

“Those whom I love I rebuke and discipline.” Revelation 3:19

Octavius Winslow (1808 – 1878) was a prominent 19th-century evangelical preacher in England and America. Known as “The Pilgrim’s Companion,” he was Baptist minister until 1870 when he was ordained an Anglican deacon and priest. He was a contemporary of Charles Spurgeon and J. C. Ryle and a prolific writer. His Christ-centered, richly devotional writings offer inspiration and encouragement.

Words of Wisdom from the Cloud of Witnesses: "Cloud of Witnesses" refers to those in Heaven who have run their races and are now with the Lord. Their words of wisdom are filled with faith, hope, love, and joy that warm our souls. Their words present the eternal truths of God that grow us and give us joy. And their words strengthen our souls, equip our minds, encourage our hearts, and empower us to stand firm in our faith and be motivated, ready, and willing to share the hope we have in Jesus.

Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith...(Hebrews 12:1-2)

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