Father's heart

Jeremiah 3:19 (Berean Study Bible)

"How I long to make you My sons and give you a desirable land, the most beautiful inheritance of all nations. I thought you would call Me Father and not turn away from following Me".

This scripture clearly explains the motive and intent of our Father God. It's never God's intention to punish us just for the sake of punishing but only for chastening. When God is calling us to repentance, it's easy for us think of Him as cruel and mean. One has to have the regenerated heart of Christ in the Holy Spirit to truly understand our Father's intentions.