Sweet Child

Children have a special place in God’s heart and anyone who harms a child is inviting God’s wrath upon Him. Jesus welcomed little children to His side and said that the kingdom of God belongs to “such as these” (Mark 10:14).

Jesus had harsh words for anyone who would cause a child to stumble, “But if anyone causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him to have a large millstone hung around his neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.”(Matthew 18:6)

The Bible tells parents to be gentle and loving with their children.

Ephesians 6:4 says..."Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."

Definition of "exasperate" - 1.to irritate or provoke to a high degree; annoy extremely. 2.Archaic. to increase the intensity or violence

Synonyms 1. incense, anger, vex, inflame, infuriate.

Colossians 3:21 says..."Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

There are examples of physical discipline in the Bible - (Proverbs 13:24, 22:15, 20:30) But, we must remember...

God's discipline is loving, as should it be between parent and child. Spanking should never be used to cause lasting physical harm or pain, but a quick swat (on the bottom where there is the most padding) to teach the child that what he did was wrong is acceptable.

Never should physical discipline be used to vent our anger and frustrations, or be uncontrolled.

We must always remember that in disciplining our children we always take the time to help them understand what they have done and why it is not acceptable. Discipline is a neccesity for growth, but how we discipline makes a big difference in whether our children will grow in a healthy loving way or in a bitter angry way.

As my children grow, this is something I will pay much attention to as I want them to grow up in a loving environment. I pray that I will never harm my children with physical or verbal abuse. Let's never use the Bible's examples of physical correction as an excuse to harm our children. They are so precious in His eyes and are a gift. Our children are not our own as they belong to the Heavenly Father. God has trusted us as parents to care for them and grow them up in HIS ways. Let us make sure we treat them that way...as blessings from above, gifts from the Almighty. They are counting on us to show them the way.

"Father I pray that I will always know your will in disciplining my children. I pray that I will never abuse them physically or verbally. I ask that you guide me and give me strength, patience, understanding, and discipline in all these matters so as my children grow they will see you through me. Don't let my anger get the best of me. May I always take the time to teach my children Your ways. I pray that I will be a parent that encourages not embitters. Father, I know I will make mistakes, and I ask that you will forgive me where I fail you. Thank you for disciplining me in love and having patience with me. Amen"

God Bless