the Lord disciplines
those whom he loves
and chastises every child
whom he accepts
Hebrews 12:6
How would you define love?
I saw a Christian Broadcasting Network editorial recently which said, “Love means more than acceptance … It means discipline.”
That’s the kind of love that God has for us – see our verse for today. Scripture tells us that this is the kind of love that good parents have for their children. For example, Proverbs 13:24 says, “those who love them are diligent to discipline them.” Conversely, this same verse says that shying away from discipline is a form of hate toward our children.
Last Sunday, I listed the top ten godly tips for a successful family life. I labeled “parent” as number ten. But that wasn’t really what the research I was basing it on said. “Discipline” was actually listed as family tip number ten.
Why is discipline perhaps THE key to effective parenting? It’s because – as our old Lutheran confession used to say – “we are, by nature, sinful and unclean.” Indeed, children are by nature stubborn and rebellious. Therefore, successful parenting requires disciplining them.
But beware … discipline must not be harsh. Rather it must be loving, consistent, and firm. Rules must be explained. They should be grounded on love and respect and God’s deepest principles. Children should be allowed to experience the consequences of their actions. And then loving parents must forgive and help them rebuild.
How do you define love? Well, include this: parenting requires discipline.
In Christ’s Love,
a guy who remembers
that to be a“disciple”
there must be “discipline”
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