“Chasten His People”

Joseph F. McConkie, Robert L. Millet
As used in this context, to chasten a people is to purify them, to cleanse them, to prepare them for greater blessings (see Webster’s 1828 dictionary). Suffering sanctifies. “My people must be tried in all things, that they may be prepared to receive the glory that I have for them, even the glory of Zion; and he that will not bear chastisement is not worthy of my kingdom” (D&C 136:31). Thus the Lord has said: “Whom I love I also chasten that their sins may be forgiven, for with the chastisement I prepare a way for their deliverance” (D&C 95:1; see also Hebrews 12:6).

Doctrinal Commentary on the Book of Mormon, Vol. 2

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