# Love Tokens explained — Olney Hymns

> Chapter companion for Olney Hymns by John Newton.

## What happens

This chapter reflects on the purpose and nature of divine affliction, portraying it as a loving discipline from God the Father. It encourages believers to endure hardship as a sign of their adoption, promising that present grief will yield the peaceful fruit of righteousness.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Affliction

Afflictions are presented as a voice from God, a means of discipline and a token of His love.

### Grace and Unmerited Favor

The chapter emphasizes that God's correction is an act of grace, distinguishing His children from the wicked.

## Character check-ins

### God

Portrayed as a loving Father who disciplines His children for their good.

### The Saints

Addressed as children of God who experience affliction as a token of His love.

## Key lines

> Afflictions do not come alone, A voice attends the rod; By both he to his saints is known, A Father and a God.

Suffering is never isolated; it carries a message from God, revealing Him as both Father and God to His people.

_The opening stanza establishes the central theme of affliction as a means of divine communication._

> The wicked I perhaps may leave Awhile, and not reprove; But all the children I receive, I scourge, because I love.

God may allow the wicked to go unpunished for a time, but He disciplines every child He accepts, because His love compels correction.

_This stanza contrasts God's treatment of the wicked with His loving discipline of His children._

> I see your hearts at present fill’d With grief and deep distress; But soon these bitter seeds shall yield The fruits of righteousness.

God sees your current sorrow and anguish, but He promises that these painful experiences will eventually produce righteousness in your life.

_The closing stanza offers hope that present suffering will lead to future spiritual growth._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters/135-love-tokens
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/olney_hymns_se/chapters