God's Discipline

Our God is the perfect Father. Therefore, He is our best example to follow when it comes to disciplining our children. So how does our God discipline? Here's what I found. I encourage you to take the time to look up the scripture references and surrounding verses that speak to you.

• God's discipline sometimes seems harsh and severe, like when He destroyed entire cities and killed people on the spot. But He does this only when His people have continued to sin, continued to turn their backs to Him, continued to not respond/repent to His discipline. (Psalm 39:11; Deuteronomy 4:35&36; Leviticus 26:14)
• God will often offer blessings, rewards and compassion immediately after He disciplines. Some examples include Noah's Ark, the Israelites entering the Promised Land, destroying David's enemies, and answering prayers. (Job 5:17; Psalm 94:12; Leviticus 26:3)
• Sometimes God chooses to hug us and love on us and offer blessings when we really deserve harsh punishment. One example of this is found in the parable of The Lost Son in Luke 15:11-32. And the number one example is Jesus Christ dying for our sins! (Luke 23:41)
• God balances discipline and loving compassion perfectly. (Proverbs 3;12; Proverbs 13:24)
• God disciplines appropriately and fairly, not as a result of uncontrolled emotions. (Deuteronomy 11:2; Jeremiah 30:11)
• God has compassion on those who repent. A good example can be found after Jonah preaches in Ninevah (Jonah 3:10). You can also find God's compassion as Daniel prays for his nation in Daniel 9:1-19.

Something to think about (and maybe share with the rest of us)...

1. How can we us God's example when we discipline our own children?

2. What are some practical examples that you have used?