Good Good Father
“My son, do not despise the LORD’S discipline or be weary of his reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom he loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” (Proverbs 3:11-12 ESV)
I grew up with a father and mother who disciplined me and my four siblings faithfully. There were boundaries and expectations in our childhood, and disobedience was always met with correction.
Their discipline wasn’t mean or unreasonable, but as a child it always seemed cruel and unfair. I never felt “delighted in” by my parents when they punished me. I only felt their displeasure and the shame of my actions. Often, I would sulk, deny the charges, or try to pass the blame…anything to avoid owning up to my actions.
It may seem strange to write about discipline for a Father’s Day-themed blog, but as an adult I view discipline differently than when I was young. Though I don’t have my own kids, (I play the accordion, so I’ll probably always be single.) I’ve had the privilege of watching my friends and siblings raise their children. I’ve come to see another side of reproof: the love, devotion, commitment, and compassion of a parent who shows a child they’re wrong, and then guides them toward repentance and what’s right.
Good discipline isn’t easy. Engaging good, healthy discipline requires time, patience, emotional investment, dedication, and energy now for a payoff that’s often far in the future. (And not necessarily 100% guaranteed.) It requires facing the anger of your child, who probably won’t like you while they’re being punished.
“No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness for those who have been trained by it.” Hebrews 12:11 NIV
Though I’m no longer under the discipline of my parents, I still experience the correction of my Heavenly Father. My sin is revealed to me through scripture, prayer, circumstances, friends and family, and sometimes even people I don’t like (The last one being the most humiliating to experience.)
It’s still not fun. I still make excuses. I still try to deny my flaws. I still try and point the finger to blame someone else. I still feel shame and embarrassment when my flaws are noticed by others. And yet scripture tells me anytime sin is revealed, I should rejoice because it means God hasn’t abandoned me to my ways! He loves me enough to gently guide me back to the path of the righteous.
This Father’s Day I’m grateful for an earthly father who cared enough about me to consistently correct me, and I’m thankful for a Heavenly Father who disciplines me perfectly and compassionately and moves me away from my sin and closer to Himself.
Thoughtfully written by Kristin Weber.

Connect with Kristin Weber – @kristin.weber| KristinWeber.com
Kristin Weber is a comedian and author who tours with Aspire Women’s Events. Her latest book, Adulting for Jesus: A Book About Purpose, Trusting God, and (Obviously) Burritos, released in February and is available now!
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