Wednesday, October 27, 2010

DISCIPLINE IS LOVE = Part 4 Wrap-Up

DISCIPLINE IS LOVE = Part 4
Wrap-Up
by Stephanie K. Brower © 2010

Respect [for God’s and the parent’s authority] is developed through discipline. Take time to properly discipline your children. Properly, meaning: with thought, with action, at the time when the problem occurs. It may not always be easy. It might even be embarrassing, but the closer you bring the discipline action to the time of the incident, the better. Your authority as the parent and your follow-through, is key for the child to know that the boundaries you have set in advance – hold!

If your children are a bit older, these are great passages to share/discuss with them from God’s Word.

Jeremiah 6:16 [NIV]
This is what the LORD says:

"Stand at the crossroads and look;
ask for the ancient paths,
ask where the good way is, and walk in it,
and you will find rest for your souls.
But you said, 'We will not walk in it.'

Proverbs 23:10 [NIV]
Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless,

Parents must discipline together – on the same page – with the rules and boundaries laid out for the child/children in advance! Be consistent. Be firm. Show grace to the child if it benefits. And give lots of hugs and kisses before and after discipline to affirm your love for them, especially if they are young. In doing so, you can teach them to do the same.

Luke 11:17 [NIV]
Jesus knew their thoughts and said to them: "Any kingdom divided against itself will be ruined, and a house divided against itself will fall. [emphasis added]

Children love and need boundaries so they know where the line is drawn. Boundaries set forth in advance must be held up by both parents.

Proverbs 13:24 [NIV]
He who spares the rod hates his son,

but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

No other verse should be pondered more than this last one. Do I hate my son or daughter? If we do not discipline, the Bible says that we hate them. That’s pretty strong language from God’s heart. It must be very important. The best gift we can leave our children is a heart of discipline in love. They may not thank us for it when they are young – but they will later.

Proverbs 19:18 [NLT]
Discipline your children while there is hope.

Otherwise you will ruin their lives.

I will be leaving Titus 2 in Action because of other added responsibilities. Many thanks to Sonya Thompson and the other writers, for allowing me the opportunity to share God's Word on this site. And thank you to all the visitors who care enough to read and ponder what is offered here! Remember to pray for your children and grandchildren to become Mighty Warriors in the kingdom of God for His glory and purpose!

May God continue to richly bless you. I love you all!

Choosing JOY,
Stephanie

6 comments:

Sharon Sloan said...

Great scriptures, Stephanie! Both encouraing and challenging - as it should be - a double-edged sword.

Thank you for your Word-filled contributions here as a writer. You love God's Word and it shows. You fear His Name. Thank you!
Psalm 119:16

Blessings to you and yours!
Visit us often and we will visit you at Truth Sharer!! :)

The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever.
Isaiah 32:17

Warmly,
Sharon

Crown of Beauty said...

how appropriate this post is today. Each child disciplined properly is an asset to society.

For lack of vision a nation perishes.

How badly needed are parents today who will love their child enough to take time to discipline him or her.

Love
Lidj

TRUTH SHARER said...

Sharon:
It's been a joy to serve with you - thank you for the kind words.

Lidj:
Amen to those words of widsom!Our lack of discipline will spread to the nations.

Beth Herring said...

Stephanie - you know how much you mean to me and I just so appreciate how you always radiate the love of Christ!

I always enjoy your posts and look forward to continuing to visit you at Truthsharer.

Love to you!

Warren Baldwin said...

This brief statement is the key to parenting in a nutshell: "Parents must discipline together – on the same page – with the rules and boundaries laid out for the child/children in advance! Be consistent. Be firm."

Good post.

Sonya Lee Thompson said...

Stephanie,

Thank you for your faithfulness! You will be missed, but God has plans and we trust them for both you and T2.

I agree, that parents should parent together, however, there are circumstances in many families which prevent this unity. In those circumstances, don't be discouraged, but trust that God will partner with you to discipline your children in love!