NO!
But maybe...
I love grace...I bask in the glorious grace brought forth by Jesus Christ! Perhaps, however, I have not properly communicated just how vital grace is, not only in our lives, but in the training and correcting of our sweet babes.
Oh that we would wrap the discipline and training of our children in grace, gentleness, patience, and love.
We must train and discipline our children, for no matter how "natural" sin is for them and their curious ways, Proverbs 22:15 teaches us that "Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of discipline will remove it far from him." It is for love that we drive that foolishness from their hearts. We love them enough to guide them in righteousness. What is so important to remember in training our children is to lead them gently, remembering how the Lord so graciously leads us. So often I falter, yet my God has been ever patient with me, pouring His grace over my failures. May we do the same with our children, extending gifts of grace in the midst of transgression.
I now feel that is necessary to add one more thing.
I have this platform (my blog) to share with you things I've learned, wisdom I've gleaned, and other such things, but I am only a wretch who happens to have a covering of grace. I'm not going to get it all right, and sometimes I'm going to flat out fail. I can tell you this though, I love my God and will do my best to honor Him and His word with this blog and all I have to say and with all of who I am. That won't be good enough for everyone, and that's okay. Our identities are not found in one another, but rather in Christ Jesus, who loves us and gave His life for us. I will always stand by the truth of the Living Word, even when it is unpopular. I will also gladly fall into the arms of grace when the going gets tough and the pressure to get it all right surrounds me.
Today, let's all let ourselves be enclosed in the arms of grace.
"The LORD is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love." Psalm 103:8
Related Articles:
Training and Discipline Techniques for your Kiddos (A.K.A Civilizing Those Darn Sin Natures!)
Burdens or Blessings? Dealing With Disobedience
How Do I View My Children As Blessings in the “Everyday”?
Whining & Complaining - Sinning With Your Mouth
19 comments:
Great post!!
I agree- we can only truly discipline with love when we understand the depth of God's grace and what we have been forgiven of. Discipline can too easily turn into a matter of pride (my kids must be the best, most well-behaved children everywhere we go because I AM A GOOD PARENT) rather than lovingly discipling them and urging them to fear the Lord, make wisdom a garland that graces their head and a chain that adorns their neck, keeping them from sin and destruction.
I don't think there is a more beautiful word in the world than GRACE! Where would any of us be without it? Thank you for the reminder that I must extend that kind of grace to my child.
Beautifully written. I love the image too - it completely embodies the picture of GRACE... my favorite word!
I absolutely agree. It's hard for people to know what we (bloggers) already know about ourselves: We are not perfect, and we know we say things wrong and make mistakes many times.
Because we believe in God's holiness and striving for it - and blog about it in a straight-forward manner- does not mean we have arrived at it and no longer need our *own* words! ;)
Knowing and writing these things does not perfect make the author. Usually, these things are written after having walked in -or presently walking in- the lesson itself.
May we love in grace and teach in grace, yet, not use it as an excuse to sin or excuse the sins.
Great words. May Our Father bless and keep you as you seek him diligently, and his ways.
Blessings upon your family~
I've been chewing on your & Christin's series so much and appreciate all of your guidance and sharing your instruction.
Thanks for adding this Sarah! Being human - I struggle to be "slow to anger" and prefer black & white, hard and fast rules - but know that GOD, who is rich in mercy - wants me to show that same mercy to my children who are learning, too.
I think this must be where abuse and discipline diverge - there is no mercy in abuse. There is no love in abuse. There is no grace in abuse.
But discipline is where we are able to teach our children - IN LOVE - BY MERCY - WITH GRACE - how to live a life that is pleasing to God.
Good thoughts. If we raise our children and disciple them like Jesus discipled then we would have rarely a time to inflict physical discipline. "Love covereth and multitude of sins." I was told by an old friend that the rod of discipline in the Bible is the actual Word. The rod that the scrolls were rolled up in. not that they whipped their children with it, but that it was taught to them again and again. I want to do an in depth study on this topic.
I see you are on Facebook. I'll add you.
oh how i needed these EXACT words today. a day of struggle with my almost 4 year old boy. lots of disobeying and need for discipline. i'm exhausted. glad it's nap time. and SO glad to have found these perfect words to begin anew upon waking! thank you.
I'm in total agreement. Thanks for sharing. Praise God for grace:)
Love from a fellow wrech--
Beth
awesome! :) i love it! You always put it so well - thank you for your wisdom - and your humility :)
are we still on for tomorrow?
Awesome! Going to be sharing this with my husband tonight. Thank you!
One day my then four year old was having a terrible day. In a fit of anger, I got set to discipline him when instead I felt a prick in my spirit and the need to stop and ask why he was being so awful.
His answer, "If I'm never good enough for you, then I must not be good enough for God and if I'm not good enough for God then I'm never going to Heaven, so why bother trying anymore."
You can imagine my stunned silence, then apology, then prayer. These words sent me on a search for God's mercy and grace that I had never understood before. Understanding Grace has literally changed my parenting. It has also changed my need for perfection and my relationships with my friends and family and the relationship my children have with God.
Great as always!
This is a wonderful addition to your series. I think that any Christian parent ought to understand that while we parent our children with grace, we should also expect obedience. I'm glad you used the Scripture that you did!
I love that you said that you will stand by the truth even when unpopular! This is one reason why I visit you!
smooches,
Larie
I love that you said that you will stand by the truth even when unpopular! This is one reason why I visit you!
smooches,
Larie
Amen, Sarah Mae. I posted similar sentiments recently in a blog post about my parenting philosophy: http://ourhomeschool2.blogspot.com/2009/06/my-parenting-philosophy.html
I'm so grateful to hear you share this idea with your readers. It seems for too long I read over and over again on blogs about discipline and punishment, but not grace. And where would we be without it?
Bravo Sarah Mae! Praise the Lord for grace!!
I hope you have a lovely day my friend!
Have you ever come across a post that you feel was written just for you? :> )
Thank you for sharing this. I soo needed to be reminded!
Blessings~
Laura
Great post! Thanks for sharing and reminding.
God is so Good!
thank you for writing this..
your previous posts had the tone of "let's Discipline those sin natures out of them" and that would lead to something like MamaHen's comment.
I can see that you're a lady who follows the Word, and trusts in His grace enough to clarify your points.
God bless.May everyone have grace while raising their God-given gifts.
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