I enjoyed chapter 6 of “Give them Grace”. It really helps me to really think on things to jot notes down. It was a chapter on discipline.
-Proverbs were written to instill skill in godly living in those who try to live their counsel. The gospel must hold the center in all we think, do, and say with our kids.
I loved the verses listed in this chapter Proverbs 13:24, 22:15, 23:13-14, 29:15, and Hebrews 12:7-11). Corporal punishment is a sign of a loving relationship. Even with spanking it must come in the context of Jesus who took BLOWS meant for fools (us). Discussing this with your child is important. Our children need to learn to submit to discipline like Jesus did. Times of punishment are times to witness to them. Reminding them of what Jesus did. We discipline our children to make them realize they are wrong, to drive them to the Lord to ultimately obey God.
– I need to decide whether actions are willful or difiante. Falure to discipline my kids is disobeying the Lord.
-Its a good idea at some point to explain how Christ took punishment he didn’t deserve. Therefore we need to obey out of gratitude and love for Him.
-Make sure you love them even when they’re bad. Don’t turn your back on them.
-Don’t force repentance. Pray for a heart change and tell them you are praying for that heart change.I know in the past I’ve told them “say your sorry”. We should encourage them to seek forgiveness of others but only if they are truly sorry! Don’t force it. “Rather than insisting on an immediate show of repentance, you should give your children time to respond to the prompting of the Holy Spirit. Assure them you are praying for them. Ask them to wait for a while, pray that they will have grace to understand and change.” Its my lack of Faith in requesting them to immidetly apologize or ask for forgiveness. I need to believe and trust that God will work in their heart! I need to TRUST HIM for their salvation as well.
-REMIND my believing children who they are in Christ, His gracious salvation. COMMAND: their obedience.
