Accepting the 'No'

Who is more loving: (a) The parent who answers all their child's questions with, 'Yes, sweetheart' or (b) The parent who lets their child know, lovingly, when something isn't particularly good for them, or those around them; even if it means that the child gets upset.

Now, we know that the second answer is the better style of parenting. We get the same impression from the Bible: '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' (Proverbs 3:11-12 NIV). God knows the consequences of the 'Yes, sweetheart' type of parenting, and he loves us far too much to let that happen. Because of his lion-fierce love for us, he's good and gracious enough to point us to the things that are best for us. And it's not always comfortable: 'See both how kind and how hard God can be. He was hard on those who fell...And he will keep on being kind to you, if you keep on trusting in his kindness' (Romans 11:22 NLT).

It's humbling and awkward to be confronted about the way we think, act or speak. And it can be hard to know how to react to confrontation. But accepting real, loving discipline is all part of God's best for us, and is one of the best ways to grow.



So what now? Think of someone who told you off for something - where you deserved the telling off. Do something extra-specially nice for them.





— SCRIPTURE —

'Do not resent it when God chastens and corrects you.' Proverbs 3:11 TLB
— SOULFOOD —

Josh 1-4, John 14:1-14, Ps 118:10-18, Pro 28:1-4