"Love is the core of all God's dealings with us. His gentleness, as well as His sternness, all stem from the righteous love of God.

"Thy rod and Thy staff they comfort me"

Psalm 23:4

The rod and staff are the same instrument; both are for the benefit of the sheep. David as a shepherd himself knew this deep and vital truth. God's correction and His mercy flow from the same heart and with one unwavering desire: to bring us to a deeper relationship with Himself."