Parenting by Design - August 27

Expressions of God's love

Ps 90:14-15:  "O satisfy us in the morning with Your lovingkindness, that we may sing for joy and be glad all our days.  Make us glad according to the days You have afflicted us, and the years we have seen evil" (NASU).

God loves us; we know this.  But, what we may fail to recognize is that God's love is expressed just as often in discipline as it is in blessing.  Both are expressions of love.  As much as we may want to avoid it, discipline is necessary to steer us back towards God.  It is designed with our future obedience and the abundant life in mind.  We should praise God for both.

When you feel uncertain about disciplining your children, remember God's example.  "For whom the Lord loves He corrects, just as a father the son in whom he delights" (Prov 3:12, NKJV).  Your children will not enjoy discipline, but they will know you care if you deliver the consequences with an empathetic spirit. 

Let your kids know you love them so much you are willing to discipline them when necessary.