Conclusion of How to Discipline in Love
Of course, children need to know not only the rules but also the penalties for breaking those rules. Once the penalties have been discussed and are understood, the rules need to be enforced. Parents are not being kind if they constantly warn their children about a deserved punishment but fail to carry it out. "Because sentence against a bad work has not been executed speedily, that is why the heart of the sons of men has become fully set in them to do bad," says the Bible. (Ecclesiastes 8:11) True, a parent may refrain from punishing a child in public or around the child's peers, thus saving the young ones some embarrassment. But children feel more secure and develop more respect and love for their parents when they know that their parents' 'Yes" means yes and their "No" means no - even if that entails punishment. -Matthew 5:37.
If it is to be kind, the punishment and the way it is administered need to be tailored to the child. "Our two children had different needs when it came to discipline," recalls Pam. "What worked with one child didn't work for the other." Her husband Larry, explains: "Our elder daughter was strong-willed and seemed to respond only to stern discipline. However, our younger daughter was very responsive to firm words and even a disapproving look." Indeed, kind parents strive to discern what discipline works best for each of their children.
Jehovah sets the pattern for parents in that he knows the strengths and weaknesses of each of his servants. (Hebrews 4:13) In addition, when meting out punishment, Jehovah is neither unduly stern nor overly permissive. Instead, he always disciplines his people "to the proper degree." (Jeremiah 30:11) Parents, do you know your children's strengths and weaknesses? Are you able to use that knowledge in a positive, kind way to train them? If so, you are proving that you love your children.
Next time: Encourage Honest Communication
Watchtower, 2007
Showing posts with label Welcome Jehovah's Discipline. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Welcome Jehovah's Discipline. Show all posts
4.23.2011
PARENTS-TRAIN YOUR CHILDREN WITH LOVE
How to Discipline in Love
Paul wrote that "love is . . .kind." (1 Corinthians 13:4) Parents who are truly kind will discipline their children in a consistent manner. By doing so, they imitate Jehovah. "Whom Jehovah loves he disciplines," wrote Paul. Please note that the type of discipline referred to in the Bible does not simply mean punishment. It carries the idea of training and education. What is the purpose of such discipline? "To those who have been trained by it," Paul states, "It yields peaceable fruit, namely, righteousness." (Hebrews 12:6, 11) When parents kindly educate their children according to God's will, they give them the opportunity to become peaceable, upright adults. If children accept "the discipline of Jehovah," they gain wisdom, knowledge and discernment-assets more valuable than silver or gold. -Proverbs 3:11-18.
On the other hand, it is not a kindness when parents fail o discipline their children. Jehovah inspired Solomon to write: "The one holding back his rod is hating his son, but the one loving him is he that does look for him with discipline." (Proverbs 13:24) Children raised without consistent discipline are likely to be self-centered and unhappy. In contrast, the children of parents who are sympathetic but maintain firm limits, were found to perform better at school, to have better social skills, and to be generally happy. Certainly, then, parents who discipline their children are being kind to them.
What is involved in disciplining children in a kind and loving manner? Parents need to discuss with their children exactly what is required of them For example, from infancy, children of Christian parents are taught fundamental Bible principles as well as the need to participate in the various aspects of true worship. (Exodus 20:12-17; Matthew 22:37-40; 28:19; Hebrews 10:24, 25) Children need to know that these requirements are nonnegotiable.
At times, though, parents may want to bring their children into the discussion when formulating house rules. If youths are able to share in discussions about those rules, they may be more inclined to obey them. For instance, in case parents decide to impose a curfew, they could choose a specific hour that the children are required to be at home. Or, as an alternative, they might allow their children to suggest an hour and to offer reasons for their preference. The parents may then state their own desired ti9me and explain whey they feel that this is appropriate. If there is a difference of opinion, as there will likely be, what then? In some cases, the parents may decide that it might be possible to accommodate their children's wishes when Bible principles are not jeopardized. Does this mean that the parents are abdicating , or giving up, their authority?
To answer that question, consider the way in which Jehovah lovingly exercised his authority when dealing with Lot and his family. After escorting Lot, his wife and his daughters out of Sodom, the angels said to them: "Escape to the mountainous region for fear you may be swept away!" However, Lot replied:, "Not that, please Jehovah!" Lot then suggested an alternative: "Please, now, this city is nearby to flee there and it is a small thing. May I, please, escape there?" What was Jehovah's response? "Here I do show you consideration to this extent also,: he said. (Genesis 19:17-22) Did Jehovah abdicate his authority? Certainly not! Nevertheless, he considered Lot's request and chose to extend extra kindness to him in this matter. If you are a parent, are there times when you can consider your children's concerns when establishing family rules?
Next time: Conclusion of How to Discipline in Love
Watchtower, 2007
Paul wrote that "love is . . .kind." (1 Corinthians 13:4) Parents who are truly kind will discipline their children in a consistent manner. By doing so, they imitate Jehovah. "Whom Jehovah loves he disciplines," wrote Paul. Please note that the type of discipline referred to in the Bible does not simply mean punishment. It carries the idea of training and education. What is the purpose of such discipline? "To those who have been trained by it," Paul states, "It yields peaceable fruit, namely, righteousness." (Hebrews 12:6, 11) When parents kindly educate their children according to God's will, they give them the opportunity to become peaceable, upright adults. If children accept "the discipline of Jehovah," they gain wisdom, knowledge and discernment-assets more valuable than silver or gold. -Proverbs 3:11-18.
On the other hand, it is not a kindness when parents fail o discipline their children. Jehovah inspired Solomon to write: "The one holding back his rod is hating his son, but the one loving him is he that does look for him with discipline." (Proverbs 13:24) Children raised without consistent discipline are likely to be self-centered and unhappy. In contrast, the children of parents who are sympathetic but maintain firm limits, were found to perform better at school, to have better social skills, and to be generally happy. Certainly, then, parents who discipline their children are being kind to them.
What is involved in disciplining children in a kind and loving manner? Parents need to discuss with their children exactly what is required of them For example, from infancy, children of Christian parents are taught fundamental Bible principles as well as the need to participate in the various aspects of true worship. (Exodus 20:12-17; Matthew 22:37-40; 28:19; Hebrews 10:24, 25) Children need to know that these requirements are nonnegotiable.
At times, though, parents may want to bring their children into the discussion when formulating house rules. If youths are able to share in discussions about those rules, they may be more inclined to obey them. For instance, in case parents decide to impose a curfew, they could choose a specific hour that the children are required to be at home. Or, as an alternative, they might allow their children to suggest an hour and to offer reasons for their preference. The parents may then state their own desired ti9me and explain whey they feel that this is appropriate. If there is a difference of opinion, as there will likely be, what then? In some cases, the parents may decide that it might be possible to accommodate their children's wishes when Bible principles are not jeopardized. Does this mean that the parents are abdicating , or giving up, their authority?
To answer that question, consider the way in which Jehovah lovingly exercised his authority when dealing with Lot and his family. After escorting Lot, his wife and his daughters out of Sodom, the angels said to them: "Escape to the mountainous region for fear you may be swept away!" However, Lot replied:, "Not that, please Jehovah!" Lot then suggested an alternative: "Please, now, this city is nearby to flee there and it is a small thing. May I, please, escape there?" What was Jehovah's response? "Here I do show you consideration to this extent also,: he said. (Genesis 19:17-22) Did Jehovah abdicate his authority? Certainly not! Nevertheless, he considered Lot's request and chose to extend extra kindness to him in this matter. If you are a parent, are there times when you can consider your children's concerns when establishing family rules?
Next time: Conclusion of How to Discipline in Love
Watchtower, 2007
9.15.2010
Cultivate Intimacy With Jehovah
Welcome Jehovah's Discipline
Noting the importance of discipline in gaining intimacy with Jehovah, the king of Israel advises us: " The discipline of Jehovah, O my son, do not reject; and do not abhor his reproof, because the one whom Jehovah loves he reproves, even as a father does a son in whom he finds pleasure."-Proverbs 3:11, 12.
Discipline, though, may not be easy for us to accept. "No discipline seems for the present to be joyous, but grievous," wrote the apostle Paul, "yet afterward to those who have been trained by it, it yields peaceable fruit, namely righteousness." (Hebrews 12:11) Reproof and discipline are a necessary part of the training that brings us closer to God. Correction from Jehovah-whether we receive it from parents, through the Christian congregation, or by meditating on the Scriptures during our personal study-is an expression of his love for us. We are wise to welcome it.
Next time: Hold Fast To Wisdom And Discernment
Watchtower, 2000
Noting the importance of discipline in gaining intimacy with Jehovah, the king of Israel advises us: " The discipline of Jehovah, O my son, do not reject; and do not abhor his reproof, because the one whom Jehovah loves he reproves, even as a father does a son in whom he finds pleasure."-Proverbs 3:11, 12.
Discipline, though, may not be easy for us to accept. "No discipline seems for the present to be joyous, but grievous," wrote the apostle Paul, "yet afterward to those who have been trained by it, it yields peaceable fruit, namely righteousness." (Hebrews 12:11) Reproof and discipline are a necessary part of the training that brings us closer to God. Correction from Jehovah-whether we receive it from parents, through the Christian congregation, or by meditating on the Scriptures during our personal study-is an expression of his love for us. We are wise to welcome it.
Next time: Hold Fast To Wisdom And Discernment
Watchtower, 2000
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