The Perfect Parent

The Perfect Parent

I will discipline you, but with justice; I cannot let you go unpunished.

Jeremiah 30:11

Our earthly fathers disciplined us for a few years, doing the best they knew how. But God’s discipline is always good for us, so that we might share in his holiness. No discipline is enjoyable while it is happening—it’s painful! But afterward there will be a peaceful harvest of right living for those who are trained in this way.

Hebrews 12:10-11

Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs.

Matthew 6:32

Nobody likes to get in trouble and face the consequences from a parent. Sometimes we think the discipline we get is unfair—that it is too harsh or lasts too long. And the truth is, nobody has perfect parents. While most parents want to be fair and loving in the discipline they give their children, they aren’t perfect.

We might think it’s not fair to get certain privileges taken away; we might rather have to do extra chores than be grounded. We don’t always know what discipline is right for us. But God does. He is the perfect Parent, and he always does what is right. He doesn’t look the other way and ignore it when we do something wrong, but he also doesn’t punish us unfairly or inappropriately.

We might feel like the discipline he is using in our lives—like hard times or loss—is unfair or random. But we can be confident that he knows just what we need. He knows we need to learn from the natural consequences of our bad choices. And he knows that facing difficulties or not getting everything we want can be good for us in the long run. Because he’s our Father who loves us, he will discipline us in the exact way and amount we need.

DISCUSSION STARTERS

How does a parent show love by disciplining his or her child?

What kinds of things does God use in our lives as tools of discipline?

How can we respond to God’s discipline in a way that will help us grow?