Daily Devotional, Aug 16, 2023 Graciously Correct

“Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them.”

Proverbs 13:24

My eldest child has recently developed a penchant for Asian Mom Memes on Youtube. And I agree with her that it really is funny to watch how Asian Moms are like. I then wonder how come she finds it so hilarious too when I get to relate because I remember my own mother? AHA! It reminds her of me! And why not? Most of the moms there are funny, and they run their mouths whenever the Asian kid in the meme does something wrong.

I reflected on this during my quiet time, and I think that in reality the situation is not so funny. I am sure there are times when I was not too gracious when I needed to reprimand my children. The letter of Jesus’ brother, James came to mind as I reflected on how naggy of a mom I can be: “If any think they are religious and do not bridle their tongues but deceive their hearts, this religion is worthless,” (James 1:26)

In that same chapter, the Apostle James said that “With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness. Out of the same mouth come praise and cursing. My brothers and sisters, this should not be,” (James 1:9-10). Now we do not curse our children, but we get to say things that could hurt their feelings. And as the above mentioned bible passage tells us it could be confusing for people (like our kids) to listen to the painful words uttered by the same mouth that urges them to praise and follow God.

Now the bible does not tell us to withhold discipline from our kids. In fact it encourages us parents to do so, since even our Heavenly Father does it to us to show His love. In Proverbs 3:11-12 it says “My son, do not despise the LORD’s discipline, and do not resent his rebuke, because the LORD disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”

However there is a right way to correct others (including our children) when they make mistakes. The bible encourages gentleness of words, “A soothing tongue is a tree of life, But perversion in it crushes the spirit.” Proverbs 15:4

As to the manner of correction, we can heed what Jesus tells us in Matthew 18:15 “If your brother or sister sins, go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.” Which means we should never resort to shaming them whilst pointing out their wrong doings.

Well the point is, as parents we should take a cue from our Heavenly Father who disciplines us yet remains to be ever-present in our lives, always there to listen and to provide what we need. We could learn from Jesus’ example of humility and meekness even though He is the Son of God, the Messiah, and our Lord Jesus Christ.

Thank you for reading through our devotional today. I invite you to read James 3:1-12 to dig deeper on today’s topic.

Reflection Question: How do you reprimand your children?

Conversation with the Lord: Almighty God, we praise and thank you for entrusting these children into my care. Empower me Lord to follow your example of gentleness and humility whenever I discipline them. I praise you Lord and I want to follow your will. Allow me to disciple my children correctly so that my whole family could live a life that is glorifying to you.