Loving Parenting
Read Proverbs 13:1 through 16:33
Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them (Proverbs 13:24). They liken physical discipline to child abuse and don’t look closely at what is being communicated. “Careful to discipline” suggests a loving concern to correct, not striking in anger or reaction. God gave them parents
to teach and train them, to love and encourage them. When parents refuse to discipline, they are ignoring God’s plan and being unfair to their children. Parents are setting children up for disappointment when things don’t go the children’s way, and for rejection by adults and by other children. Parents are placing children on a trajectory of loneliness and frustration. Lack of discipline, in actuality, is the ultimate child abuse. It takes love, patience, consistency, time in God’s Word, and reliance on His wisdom to raise the children He’s entrusted to us. Prayer Suggestion: Father, give parents the wisdom, patience, and love needed to raise their kids. Quicklook: Proverbs 13:13, 18, 24
