Chastening

Websters Dictionary defines the word chasten as something that is to inflict suffering upon for purposes of moral improvement. Heavenly Father chastens us to make us better. If we didn't o through times in our life where we were chastened we wouldn't grow and become more like our Heavenly Father. Heavenly Father has high expectations of all of his children. He wants us to become perfect. In order to become perfect we must be able to accept and seek correction. Correction is vital to reforming our lives in order to be a more perfect man.

In a conference talk given by Elder D. Todd Christopherson he educated us on the three purposes of divine chastening.

1. "To persuade us to repent" Which we must do in order to receive forgiveness and cleansing.

2. "To refine and sanctify us" When we are refined we are prepared for greater spiritual experiences.

3. To redirect our course in life to what God knows is a better path.

In Hebrews 12:6 we are told that "whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth." Then again we are told in D&C 95:1 that "whom I love I also chasten". We see Heavenly Father speak about chastening his people again in D&C 105:6. It says, "My people must needs be chastened until they learn obedience, if it must need be, by the things which they suffer."

As a parent these scriptures have great meaning in my life. I want to help my children to be better at everything they do. I can do this by refining them and directing them towards the right path just as my Heavenly Father does for me.

Being chastened can be a trial on our patience and faith. Once we fully understand the importance of chastening we will grow and become more like our Heavenly Father.