I want to share how I learn, am corrected, by our Father, and see if it strikes a chord with anyone else.
Whenevr I act or speak in a way that is not loving, that is not in His love, He makes me to know His disappointment for what I have done or said, and even at times makes me to know how my words or actions have made the other person feel, especially if they are of His children. And when I come into His presence, and He illuminates my heart with His holiness, I see with altogether too much clearness the places where the darkess of hate or jealously or envy have not been rooted out by His light, or where these may have gained a place in me again. And if I stay away from Him and avoid His light, the Holy Spirit takes offense, and becomes silent in mu heart. Over the years, after many sins and errors, I have learned to recognize to some small extent when I am being chastised by God. It is always because of a lack of love for others, always. And always when I choose to walk not in love for others, I have had to walk not in Jesus, but after the flesh.
Whenever I find myself in this place of chastisement, never do I feel condemnation, but rather a sure conviction of what is required of God's children. And a deep sorrow and even shame at my hateful words and actions. But He is faithful and just, and forgives my of all my sins, and cleanses my heart of all unrighteousness. But this is not all that He does, oh no. In addition, He cleanses my conscience, making it pure again, no stain or even the remote smell of guilt, so that I can come before my Father again, justified in Him, pure and clean.
This is how He is growing me up into the fullness of Jesus Christ.
In His love,
Vic