IMITATE JEHOVAH WHEN TRAINING YOUR CHILDREN

Discipline-What It Means

For fear of being accused of abuse-physical, verbal or emotional-some parents shy away from correcting their children.  We need not harbor such fears.  The word "discipline" as used in the Bible does not imply any king of abuse  or cruelty.  The Greek word for "discipline" primarily relates to instruction, education, correction and, at times, firm but loving chastisement.

In providing such discipline, Jehovah God sets a perfect example.  Comparing Jehovah to a human father, the apostle Paul wrote:  "Don't all parents correct their children? . . .Our human fathers correct us for a short time, and they do it as they think best.  But God corrects us  for our own good, because he wants us to be holy."  (Hebrews 12:7-10, Contemporary English Version) Yes, Jehovah disciplines his people to the end that they may be holy or pure.  We can certainly learn much about disciplining children by considering how Jehovah has trained his people. -Deuteronomy 32:4; Matthew7:11.

Next time - The Motivating Force

Watchtower, 2001