Why does God the Lover of humanity use different ways of chastisement?

God reveals His love and providence not only when He forgives, but also when He disciplines. When He chastises like a Father, He elevates us from pampered infancy to maturity. Without discipline, we may not feel the seriousness of sin, nor struggle to live a life of holiness. Therefore, we would lose our victory and heavenly crown.

St. Basil the Great says, “We should learn, then, that it is because we have turned away from the Lord and disregarded His ways that God has inflicted these wounds upon us. He does not seek to destroy us, but rather endeavors to turn us back to the right way, just as good parents who care for their children are stern and rebuke them when they do wrong, not

1443 St. Basil of Caesarea, Letters 1–185 136 To Eusebius Bishop of Samosata (FOTC 13:278).

1444 St. Basil of Caesarea, The Rule of St. Basil in Latin and English: A Revised Critical Edition , trans., Anna M. Silvas (Collegeville, Minnesota: Liturgical Press, 2013) Q. 21: p. 129.

1445 St. Basil of Caesarea, Of Humility (FOTC 9:485).

because they wish them harm, but rather desiring to lead them from childish negligence and the sin of youth to mature attentiveness.”¹⁴⁴⁶

He also says, “How long will we not obey Christ who calls us to His heavenly kingdom? … This is the time of repentance and that is of receiving the reward. This is the time of toil and labor and that is of receiving the wages. This is the time of patience and that is of comfort.”