Parenting Group – The Purpose of Discipline

Last night, we had a lively discussion at our parenting group about why we discipline our kids. Here are some of the highlights:

-We discipline our children because we love them.
-God has placed us in a position of authority to help protect and guide our children while giving them clear and safe boundaries.
-Through appropriate discipline we have the opportunity to teach our children about forgiveness, restoration, and grace.

Hebrews 12:5-11 and Proverbs 6:20-23 provided a little bit of Biblical reference to our discussion.

Here’s what Hebrews has to say:
5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as children? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, 6 because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his child.” 7 Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate children at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had parents who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live! 10 Our parents disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. 11 No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.