INTRODUCTION

Much of what is done in the home under the guise of chastening is far from the scriptural pattern implemented by the Lord. This is nothing new. According to Hebrews 12:10For they verily for a few days chastened us after their own pleasure; but he for our profit, that we might be partakers of his holiness.
See All..., the Jewish fathers chastened their children "after their own pleasure." Two major problems commonly exist in the discipline implemented in the home: the reason for correction and the motive in correction. According to God’s pattern, parents should never discipline their children because of an annoyance, but because of direct violation of a known law. This is God’s way and should be the practice of godly parents. In addition to this, godly parents should follow God’s pattern and chasten in love for the sake of the child.

DEVOTIONAL THOUGHTS

• (For smaller children) In Psalm 89:30-33 [30] If his children forsake my law, and walk not in my judgments; [31] If they break my statutes, and keep not my commandments; [32] Then will I visit their transgression with the rod, and their iniquity with stripes. [33] Nevertheless my lovingkindness will I not utterly take from him, nor suffer my faithfulness to fail.
  See All..., God Himself tells us the proper reason for disciplining. It also reminds us that through it all, God loves us.
• Do you have any children? What drives you to correct them? Do you only offer chastening when they get on your nerves? Do you correct them because they upset you? Are these proper reasons?
• How could a balance in reasoning for chastening and motive in chastening solve the problems with child abuse or lack of disciplining altogether?

PRAYER NEEDS

• Ask God to strengthen your home with biblical principles.
• Thank the Lord for a godly home where love is prominent.

HYMN

O To Be Like Thee

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