Good morning people who follow the example of our heavenly Father.

Because Father God loves us, He disciplines us if we get off track. He corrects and rebukes us for our own protection, and ultimately, for our freedom. God is a good Father.

So, what is the biblical instruction for us as natural parents?

Proverbs 13:24 MEV He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him early.

This verse is not too popular in the times that we live in. Unfortunately, many people have lost their minds when it comes to parenting and discipline. Now, the culture preaches that children know what is best for them. This is crazy.

When I was a child, I thought I knew what was best for me. I most definitely knew what I wanted to do. Sometimes, these desires were ok. Sometimes that most definitely were not.

Thankfully, I had parents who loved me enough – that’s right, loved me enough – to discipline me early. They didn’t wait until things escalated beyond the point of no return. Early intervention can save a lot of heartache.

I am aware that, as with most things we read in the Bible, there can be misuse and abuse. Disciplining children is no exception. Harshness and lashing out in anger is always wrong. If you have been on the receiving end of this, I pray Father heals your heart. May you feel His tenderness towards you.

Rather than react against error, once again I say that we need to reclaim the truth. And the truth is that if we don’t lovingly discipline our children, then we aren’t showing biblical love to them.

May Father lead us all in this vital truth as we seek to love like Father loves us.