According to Hebrews 12:9-11, what are the aims of the Lord's ________?

The passage in Hebrews 12:9-11 discusses the concept of the Lord's chastening, which refers to His corrective measures for His children. This chastening is described as a form of discipline that aims to produce righteousness and peace in those who are trained by it. The scripture emphasizes that, although chastening may be uncomfortable or painful in the moment, it serves a vital purpose in the development of believers. The objective is to yield a fruitful outcome — specifically, the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

This process of chastening underscores the relationship between a father and his children. Just as earthly fathers discipline their children for their growth and well-being, so too does God discipline His followers out of love, with the ultimate goal of guiding them towards spiritual maturity. Recognizing the purpose of this divine chastening helps believers understand that it is not a punishment in the negative sense, but rather a necessary and loving intervention designed to lead them into a deeper relationship with God and a more righteous life.