Parenting God's Way

Day Eighty-Two

Parenting God's Way (Read Proverbs 29:15:21)

¹⁵ To discipline a child produces wisdom,
    but a mother is disgraced by an undisciplined child.

¹⁶ When the wicked are in authority, sin flourishes,
    but the godly will live to see their downfall.

¹⁷ Discipline your children, and they will give you peace of mind
    and will make your heart glad.

¹⁸ When people do not accept divine guidance, they run wild.
    But whoever obeys the law is joyful.

¹⁹ Words alone will not discipline a servant;
    the words may be understood, but they are not heeded.

²⁰ There is more hope for a fool
    than for someone who speaks without thinking.

²¹ A servant pampered from childhood
    will become a rebel.

Reflection:

Parenting is one of the most rewarding and challenging responsibilities we face. Proverbs 29:17 reminds us that discipline leads to a peaceful home and a joyful heart when done in God's way. Discipline is not about punishment or control but teaching, guiding, and shaping a child's character in love. When we take the time to correct our children and show them the right path, we invest in their future and build a peace foundation. It's important to remember that discipleship starts as a child, not something you learn and adapt to as an adult.

Unfortunately, I grew up on the streets; this venture started around the age of ten. I had no active father in my life, and my mother worked two to three jobs to keep a roof over our head; so she was mostly at work, so I did what I pleased. When you grow up on the streets, you stumble into dark places, and bad things happen in the dark. My mother gave me a full expression of love and introduced me to Jesus, ultimately saving my life. So God bless Momma Long. She wasn't perfect, but the best momma a kid could ever ask for.

"Godly parenting is less about perfect techniques and more about showing your children the perfect love of Jesus." ~ Unknown

God Himself is our example of a loving Father who disciplines us for our good. His discipline isn't harsh or reactive; it's patient, purposeful, and always aimed at our growth. In the same way, godly discipline requires us to be intentional and loving, even when it's complicated. Our goal is not to control behavior for the sake of quiet but to shape hearts aligned with God's wisdom.

"Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate." ~ Unknown

When we parent with God's heart, our discipline reflects His love. Children who experience this correction are more likely to understand the value of boundaries and grow into responsible, wise adults. The fruit of such discipline is obedience and peace—both in our children's hearts and our homes. A well-disciplined child brings a parent joy, knowing they are learning to live wisely and make good choices.

"Love is the foundation of discipline. Correct your children in love, and you will guide them in the way of the Lord." ~ Unknown

Parenting God's way means relying on His wisdom and love to guide us in correcting and nurturing our children. We may not always get it right, but when we commit to this God-given responsibility with humility and faith, He promises to bring peace and joy to our families.

¹⁴ But Jesus said, "Let the children come to me. Don't stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children" (Matthew 19:14).

Reflection Questions:

1. How can you model God's love and patience when disciplining your children?
2. In what areas of your parenting do you need to seek more of God's wisdom?
3. How has discipline, either from God or from a parent, shaped your life for the better?

Next Steps for Parenting God's Way:

1. Pray for Wisdom and Patience
   Ask God for the wisdom to parent with love, grace, and intentionality. Pray for patience as you navigate challenging moments and seek His guidance on how to discipline in a way that reflects His heart.
2. Create Consistent Boundaries
   Children thrive on structure and boundaries. Set clear, consistent rules in your home and explain them to your children so they understand the importance of discipline. Ensure that discipline is predictable, not reactive, to teach lessons effectively.
3. Model Christ-like Behavior
   Children learn by example. Be mindful of how you respond to challenges and frustrations, as your behavior sets the tone for how your children will handle correction and discipline. Show them how to resolve conflicts peacefully, admit mistakes, and ask for forgiveness.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us the perfect example of loving discipline. Help me to guide my children with patience, love, and wisdom, just as You guide me. Give me strength and peace as I nurture them and lead them in Your ways. May my discipline be filled with Your grace and bring lasting peace and joy to my home. In Jesus' name, Amen.

May God bless your hearing, understanding, and application of today's wisdom.