Compassion in Correction

“Moses and Aaron among His priests, and Samuel among them that call upon His name… Thou wast a God that forgavest them, though Thou tookest vengeance of their inventions” (Psalm 99:6-8).  “Good understanding giveth favor: but the way of transgressors is hard… Poverty and shame shall be to him that refuseth instruction: but he that regardeth reproof shall be honored… He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes” (Proverbs 13:15,18,24). 

There’s great compassion in correction

When we have been reproved by God.
How much we need our Lord’s inspection
And comfort by His staff and rod! 

Like Moses, Aaron, Samuel,

And all who call upon the Lord,
Our testimonies all will tell
That by reproof we are restored.

Reproof from God gives understanding

By which He will extend His favor.
The blessing God is thus commanding
Includes correcting our behavior. 

Transgressors surely have it hard

Who have refused our Lord’s reproof:
The Lord’s compassion thus would guard
And save the souls who stand aloof. 

The Spirit of our Lord reproves

The souls of all who go astray. 
Compassion in correction moves
The sinner to repent and pray. 

Lord, thank You for reproof that came
To turn our souls away from wrath,

To save us from our sin and shame,
And lead us in salvation’s path!

Lord, thank You also for Your love

That governs Your correction still
To set our hearts on things above
And find our pleasure in Your will.