As believers in Jesus Christ we are the children of God, and as such He loves us. As His children He has taken upon Himself the responsibility for our upbringing, and maintaining our wellbeing. This responsibility extends beyond simply clothing, feeding, and housing us… it includes our spiritual education, and discipline as well. God disciplines us to teach, and train us, which is different than punishing us which comes as a form of retribution. Discipline is administered to those we love, while punishment is put upon those who have harmed, or acted against us in some way. As believers we are disciplined by God our Father.