Loving Discipline

Read Proverbs 13

Those who spare the rod of discipline hate their children. Those who love their children care enough to discipline them.

Proverbs 13:24

Unfortunately, discussions about child discipline in our times have been reduced to arguments over spanking. Even more tragically, while people have debated the issue of spanking, parents have been cowed into forms of child rearing that have been as abusive by default as child rearing that has misused corporal punishment.

Parents often decide on a form of discipline long before they have actually “met” their children. However, parental concepts of discipline must take into account the character and personalities of their children. Otherwise, these parents may be poorly prepared for the differences between children who are either softhearted and respond positively to “light” discipline and children who are strong willed and require a stronger-willed set of parents. Good discipline must fit the child. Good discipline conveys love to the child. When promptly applied, good discipline produces lifelong, positive results.

A WORD FOR TODAY

Discipline demonstrates love.

Today, Lord, remind me of the benefits I have received through discipline. Help me not to withhold these benefits from my own children.