The Bible does advocate the spanking of a child's bottom, with a wooden object, as a form of discipline or correction.
I'm convinced that this Bible teaching on discipline with a rod wasn't just for that time period. I'm also convinced that people have taken the Scriptures on discipline and justified their wrong actions and attitudes in abusing their children.
Let me share five things that I've learned concerning the disciplining of a child.
First, you must never discipline a child out of anger. If you do, the child will not see past your anger and they won't focus on their errors.
Second, never discipline with the attitude of punishing a child, or making them pay for their mistakes. This will satisfy your anger, but will not properly correct the child.
Third, never belittle the child verbally. If you do, they will begin to resent you and develop an inferiority complex. Children must be built up by the words of their parents even during the time of discipline.
Fourth, calmly explain to the child why you are about to discipline them. Let them know what they did wrong and what they should have done, instead. This is how they will learn and grow. (We also have our children pray, asking God to forgive them for their wrong action).
Fifth, shower your child with love before, during, and immediately after any type of discipline. Love is more important than discipline!
If these five things aren't implemented, the discipline will cause resentment, anger, insecurity, and confusion in your child. It would probably be better not to discipline at all, rather than do it the wrong way.
It's also important to note that discipline is designed to remove negative things from a child (Prov. 22:15) and it does not train the child in the right way (Prov. 22:6).
Make sure you train your child much more then you discipline them. Here are some Scriptures you can look up on this subject: Proverbs 13:24; 23:13-14; 29:15,17.
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Joe Cameneti Sr. is the lead pastor of Believers Church, located in his hometown of Warren, Ohio. Pastor Joe, along with his wife Gina, pioneered Believers Church in 1983 following his graduation from Bible School.
In addition to leading a thriving local church, Pastor Joe is the host of a weekly show called "BCTV." The program is aired locally, reaching over 30,000 people each month.
Pastor Joe is a gifted communicator, skilled in the art of building bridges to unchurched America. Transparent and authentic, you'll walk away challenged and encouraged to connect with God in a deeper way.
