D&C 61:8
What does it mean to be chastened?
Chasten: to inflict suffering upon for purposes of moral improvement; chastise.
The word chasten is found all throughout the scriptures. In several instances, the Lord is chastening prophets and other righteous people. Other times He is rebuking those who have turned against Him.
“The Lord explained, “All those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified” (D&C 101:5).
How/Why does the Lord chasten His people?
“The reason, so divine, that the Lord chastens us is so that we may obtain forgiveness.” (Gene R. Cook, “The Grace of the Lord,” Tambuli, Apr 1993, 17)
“For sins, the remedy is to chasten and encourage repentance.” (Dallin H. Oaks, “Sins and Mistakes,” Ensign, Oct 1996, 62)
“Thereby we may become further tamed spiritually, for “except the Lord doth chasten his people with many afflictions, … they will not remember him” (Hel. 12:3).” (Neal A. Maxwell, “‘Plow in Hope’,” Liahona, Jul 2001, 72–74)
The Apostle Paul taught, “For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth” (Heb. 12:6). Scourging is not a painless process!” (D. Allen Andersen, “Messages from the Doctrine and Covenants: Why Adversity?,” Liahona, Jul 2005, 28)
We have a choice when the Lord chastens us. We can be among those who, when faced with the consequences of our actions, spurn our responsibility and turn from God and His chastening love. Or we can be like those who patiently submit, learn, and grow in righteousness.
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