I continued on with the theme of teaching our children, at the womens meeting. This week we focused on correcting and punishing our children. Sometimes our children will disobey the rules we have set in our home. So when this happens we have to correct and punish our children. We punish them because we love them and we want to show them the right way. Even the Lord punishes sometimes. He corrects us and shows us when we do something wrong(Prov. 3:11-12). God reproves those whom he loves. God expects parents to punish their children too. How else will our children learn to obey? We do have to be careful that we don't punish in anger though. When you punish in anger you are not thinking of the child just yourself. Your child should know that you still love them. Your punishment must be firm but just. It should not be too harsh.
All children will rebel from time to time. Even if parents are wise and kind, children will still try to get their own way and disobey. This is because of the sinful nature in each of us. Proverbs 29:15,17 says, "The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother...Discipline your son, and he will give you rest, he will give delight to your heart." I told the women that I know that it is not easy to teach our children when they rebel. Sometimes we feel angry and discouraged. We feel like letting the child just go and do whatever. We don't like to argue and we feel tired sometimes. I encouraged the ladies to not give up on thier children. They need to pray each day and ask God for his help and strength.
All children will rebel from time to time. Even if parents are wise and kind, children will still try to get their own way and disobey. This is because of the sinful nature in each of us. Proverbs 29:15,17 says, "The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother...Discipline your son, and he will give you rest, he will give delight to your heart." I told the women that I know that it is not easy to teach our children when they rebel. Sometimes we feel angry and discouraged. We feel like letting the child just go and do whatever. We don't like to argue and we feel tired sometimes. I encouraged the ladies to not give up on thier children. They need to pray each day and ask God for his help and strength.
There really doesn't seem to be a lot of discipline in the home here in Zambia until the children get older. Like I mentioned before it is often a beating-not time out, spanking, taking away something, etc. One time this past year a boy a little older than Hannah was not treating her right. I went to the mother to let her know and right there in front of me she started beating her son. I was horrified and felt so bad! While I did think he needed to be disciplined and instructed in the right way to treat a girl I did not want him to be beaten like that. Please pray that these women I am teaching have learned the correct way to punish and will do it out of love for their child.
It was so sad because during the question time one of the women asked me what she could do with her child who was drinking. She went on to explain that he was 16 years old. He doesn't go to church with the family. When she tries to discipline him in any way he will beat her. Can you imagine? If you would right now, could you pray for this woman and her son.
It was so sad because during the question time one of the women asked me what she could do with her child who was drinking. She went on to explain that he was 16 years old. He doesn't go to church with the family. When she tries to discipline him in any way he will beat her. Can you imagine? If you would right now, could you pray for this woman and her son.
Are you teaching your children when they rebel, or do you let them get their own way?
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