Loving Discipline 

   “As I live – it is the Lord Yahweh who speaks – I take pleasure, not in the death of a wicked man, but in the turning back of a wicked man who changes his ways to win life.  Come back, come back from your evil ways.”  (Ezekiel 33: 11) 

   Children often think that their parents are unreasonable in their demands, and even cruel in their chastisements.  Usually, however, they later come to realize that their parents were acting in their best interest, hoping to prepare them for the battles they will face in an evil world.  It is out of love that parents properly correct their children.  To do less borders on child abuse and neglect.

   Christians are often childish in the same way.  We expect our lives to be filled with joy and happiness because we are children of God.  But, just as a loving parent corrects the wayward actions of their children, so will God chastise us for our sinfulness.  At times, He may allow us to suffer the consequences of our sins in order to teach us of their evil.  It is not an act of vengeance but one of love.  By recognizing the damage our sins inflict, we may turn back to Him and seek the forgiveness He so lovingly wants to give.

   By the discipline of loving parents, children learn right from wrong.  We must also learn from our mistakes and sinfulness through the chastisement of our loving Father.  It is out of love and mercy that God disciplines; not as punishment, but in an effort to turn us back to Him.  If we listen and learn from Him, He will lead us to eternal life.

 

“The disciple of the Lord, my son, do not spurn; do not disdain his reproof; for whom the Lord loves he reproves, as a father, the son he favors.” (Proverbs 3: 11 – 12).