Loving Discipline is Not Punishment by Mayada Naami.
“Turn at my reproof. Behold, I will pour out my Sprit on you. I will make known my words to you.” (Proverbs 1:23, NIV)
I hate discipline. When God is working on something in my life, those adjustments in my character are not easy. During those times, when I turn to Him and He begins to speak to me, He reveals more of Himself, and makes known to me His character and His ways. Sometimes I miss out on His blessing because I resist His correction.
God will often highlight a behavior in my life that causes me to stumble. He does this, not to shame me, but to build my character. In the Bible verse above, He says He will pour out His Spirit and thoughts on us. How glorious is that—thinking the thoughts of God!
“Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope (Romans 5:3-4, NIV).
When I stumble in life, I often hear the voice of God gently rebuking me. I know it’s His voice, and not the voice of the enemy, simply because His voice is filled with love. He is my loving Father, and I can feel His love while He is guiding and encouraging me. Every so often, we need to reprove, correct, and discipline others. If we have children of our own, or if we are in positions of authority, we have an obligation to serve, guide and encourage others while also challenging and stretching their character. As parents and leaders, we have the responsibility to unlock and realize the potential of those under our authority.
“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast. For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:8-10).
As Christians, sometimes we are reluctant to confront, reprove, or correct someone. We can do it with Godly wisdom and in the spirit of peace and reconciliation.
Prayer: Thank you God that You provide us with wisdom after a rebuke. Amen.