D&C 101

 After some individuals in Zion, having been warned previously to keep His commandments, the Lord then explains - 

"Verily I say unto you, concerning your brethren who have been afflicted, and persecuted, and cast out from the land of their inheritance—

2 I, the Lord, have suffered the affliction to come upon them, wherewith they have been afflicted, in consequence of their transgressions;

3 Yet I will own them, and they shall be mine in that day when I shall come to make up my jewels.

4 Therefore, they must needs be chastened and tried, even as Abraham, who was commanded to offer up his only son.

5 For all those who will not endure chastening, but deny me, cannot be sanctified."  (Doctrine and Covenants 101:1–5)

In my mind, the Lord lovingly explains His motive.  He wants to sanctify them.