Hebrews 12

Paul counsels the Jewish saints -

"...let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us,
2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith..."  (New Testament | Hebrews 12:1 - 2)

As we strive to repent and look to the Savior in faith in all patience, Paul teaches us that -

"...For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth, and scourgeth every son whom he receiveth.
7 If ye endure chastening, God dealeth with you as with sons; for what son is he whom the father chasteneth not?
8 But if ye be without chastisement, whereof all are partakers, then are ye bastards, and not sons."  (New Testament | Hebrews 12:6 - 8)

The fact that the Lord chastens those He loves, Paul explains why, so we too may better understand -

"Furthermore we have had fathers of our flesh which corrected us, and we gave them reverence: shall we not much rather be in subjection unto the Father of spirits, and live?"  (New Testament | Hebrews 12:9)

The truth is that our Father is Heaven is literally the Father of our spirits before we were born into mortality.

Paul continues to teach why and blessings of righteous chastisement -

"For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
11 Now no chastening for the present seemeth to be joyous, but grievous: nevertheless afterward it yieldeth the peaceable fruit of righteousness unto them which are exercised thereby."  (New Testament | Hebrews 12:10 - 11)

And thus in turn, we are to -

"...lift up the hands which hang down, and the feeble knees;
13 And make straight paths for your feet, lest that which is lame be turned out of the way; but let it rather be healed.
14 Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord..."  (New Testament | Hebrews 12:12 - 14)

The Prophet Joseph Smith translated the purpose of suffering and chastisement -

"JST Heb. 11:40 God having provided some better things for them through their sufferings, for without sufferings they could not be made perfect."  (New Testament:Hebrews 11:40)