As the father spanks his little son for an act of disobedience, he tells his boy: “This hurts me more than it hurts you!” If you’re the boy, that makes little to no sense. After all, the boy is the one feeling the pain on his bottom and the father is the one doling out the pain!
While we may or may not be sure of the merit of that statement from the father, what the Bible does instruct us concerning discipline are several important benefits that profit the one receiving the discipline.
1. It’s an act of love (“For whom the Lord loves He chastens,” Hebrews 11:6).
2. It’s a sign of sonship (“He scourges every son He receives,” Hebrews 11:6).
3. It’s an opportunity to grow (“but He for our profit, that we may be partakers of His holiness,” Hebrews 11:10).
4. It’s an avenue of training (“afterward it yields the peaceable fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it,” (Hebrews 11:11).
Yes, it likely will hurt in the short term. But in the longer term, it will accomplish so much godly good. Parents, do not withhold such discipline from your children. Evidence your love to them!
#sowingandreaping #thepast #delightofGod #assurance #promise #chastisement