Jesus Loves Me: Experiencing God’s Heart for Kids Sample

Correcting in Love

Disciplining children can be a controversial issue. However, God’s Word makes it clear that discipline is an important part of raising children who love the Lord.

Discipline is used to correct poor choices and train people to go in a godly way. We can base discipline principles on how God disciplines us as his children.

God’s discipline produces right living. Hebrews 12:11 (NIV) says, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” God’s discipline has a specific purpose:building godly character.

God’s discipline is loving. It’s not to be confused with cold-hearted punishment. Proverbs 3:11-12 (NIV) says, “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”

God’s discipline works for our good. He wants to be glorified in our livesso that we reflect the new nature God has given us. 1 Peter 1:14-16 (NIV) says, “As obedient children, do not conform to the evil desires you had when you lived in ignorance. But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’”

Moments of discipline are the perfect time to teach a child that God disciplines us because he loves us and that, as parents, we do the same for our children.

Scripture: Proverbs 31:1