The chastisements of Christ are precious to those who believe. The believer’s love to Jesus Christ, not only continues under the rod of correction – but is quickened and increased by it! Thus it is distinguished from that pretended love, which exists only in times of prosperity. The afflicted Christian is enabled to consider – that whom the Lord loves – He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives; and that He only afflicts us for our profit – to make us partakers of His holiness.
— John Fawcett (1740–1817), Baptistenpastor, Theologe, Hymnendichter
Related Bible passage: HEB.12.6
Topics: Suffering & the Question of God, Faith & Trust, Growth & Character
Occasions: Comfort
John Fawcett
John Fawcett (1740–1817) war ein britischer Baptistenpastor, Theologe und Kirchenlieddichter, der über Jahrzehnte in ländlichen Gemeinden in Yorkshire wirkte. Bekannt wurde er vor allem durch den Choral „Blest Be the Tie That Binds“, theologische Schriften zur praktischen Frömmigkeit und sein Engagement in der Ausbildung junger Prediger. Für heutige Bibelleser vermitteln seine Lieder und Kommentare Impulse zu christlicher Gemeinschaft, Sanftmut und treuem Dienst in der Ortsgemeinde.
All quotes by John Fawcett (8)
In our own woundedness, we can become sources of life for others.
Henri Nouwen
Ultimately mourning means facing what wounds us in the presence of One who can heal.
Henri Nouwen
C.S. Lewis
When we are crushed like grapes, we cannot think of the wine we will become.
Henri Nouwen
He has chosen not to heal me, but to hold me. The more intense the pain, the closer His embrace.
Joni Eareckson Tada
Etty Hillesum
God writes straight even on crooked lines.
Paul Claudel
God lets us walk no path that he himself has not walked, and on which he does not go ahead of us.
Dietrich Bonhoeffer