God’s relationship with the Israelites reveals to us how God uses enemies to discipline His children. His purpose is to make His children run back to Him for reconciliation and deliverance.
The love of Jesus Christ for the Church makes Him to correct believers whenever they are going astray. Those He loves He rebukes and chastens (Revelation 3:19). We are not to get discouraged when the Lord rebukes us, rather we should take it seriously and be happy because a child that is never disciplined is not a legitimate child.
God is merciful and gracious. His goodness cannot permit Him to leave us alone, even when we go astray, He searches for us. God’s mercy is one of the ways God expresses His love toward us. We, therefore, must not take His mercy for granted.