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S. Michael Houdmann
Supporter
How to best discipline children can be a difficult task to learn, but it is crucially important. Some claim that physical discipline (corporal punishment) such as spanking is the only method the Bi...
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BONG JUALES180 degrees Christian Youth Band
Supporter
I believe that children should be disciplined. As a follower of Jesus we should act this in our home so that our children will follow us, be a mentor as what Paul did to Timothy, be a role model. If The family bears the fruits of Holy Spirit (Gal 5:22-23) there will be a happy and disciplined children. Discipline is to know your part as a parent. Sometimes we are doing this because out of emotion. When we spank them, try to let them first understand before you spank so that they will know why they are being disciplined, so they will not be rebellious children.
phillip paul
Supporter
I believe that discipline is necessary in raising children in today's society. They have taken discipline out of the classrooms, and it seems few parents are disciplining their children anymore. I believe children should be spanked if the conduct calls for it. I also believe there is a difference between a spanking and a beating.
Oun Kwon
Supporter
What I have learned after several decades of (dismal) parenting! Does the Scripture say 'Obey your parents'? They would do opposite very well (see a Korean folk tale 'green frog'). Do this, don't do this - these all usually don't work and tend to build up an attitude of reluctance. Their immediate reaction is their feeling and their gauging how the parent acts and shows instead of listening to what is actually said. Did our Lord say 'Love me' or 'Love others' in imperative mode as a command? Hardly it can be. The verb should be read as 'be you obeying' 'be you loving'. In other words, He wants us to become the kind of person we should be. "Be a person who obeys parent!, be a person who loves others! Just see me, see how I have loved you all." Without being totally transformed with Him who lives in me, not my self living, everything I hear would sound nothing different than 'laws' 'rules' 'regulation' 'rituals', i.e. legalism par excellence. Let them learn to HONOR parents, as parents show in their expression, attitude, speech, yes, love them and keep them honored. This is how we may actually honor our Father in heaven, by doing others as God would do them. Honoring His name in our everyday life is what it means by 'love your God'.
Olusegun Afolabi
Supporter
DISCIPLINE OF CHILDREN; Matthew 18:10, "“See that you do not despise one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven". Children are a gift to man from God, and therefore they must be properly guided and taught in the way of the Lord, for the continuity of life (Proverbs 22:6). Teaching of the child requires every aspect and opportunity to learn and behave adequately, which makes discipline a necessity to correct wrongs and allow the young person to understand wrong and right. Hebrews 12:5-6, "And you have forgotten the exhortation which speaks to you as to sons, 'My son, do not despise the chastening of the Lord, nor be discouraged when you are rebuked by Him. For whom the Lord loves He chastens, and scourges every son whom He receives.'” Despising a wrongful act is not an encouraging attitude, and also it's not helpful to the younger mind. Though the common belief is that wrongs cannot be intentional, and similarly we need to accept that the associated damages and consequences may be unbearable. This makes it important to enforce disciple as a moral aspect of human life. Deuteronomy 6:6-7, "And these words which I command you today shall be in your heart. You shall teach them diligently to your children, and shall talk of them when you sit in your house, when you walk by the way, when you lie down, and when you rise up". JESUS IS LORD.
Jack Gutknecht
Supporter
"A spanking won't kill them. A good spanking, in fact, might save them from something worse than death." (Proverbs 23:13-14 MSG). "Those who spare the rod hate their children" (Proverbs 13:24 MSG). Proverbs 13:24 He who withholds his rod hates his child Proverbs emphasizes the importance of discipline, viewing it as a matter of life or death (Pr 19:18; 23:13-14). Since children are characterized by folly in Proverbs (Pr 22:15), proper training and discipline ensure they will remain on the right path throughout their lives (Pr 22:6). - FSB My wife and I spanked our kids when they needed it! Now see “The rod and rebuke give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother” (Proverbs 29:15). “Correct your son, and he will give you rest; yes, he will give delight to your soul” (Proverbs 29:17). My view is that parents who fail to discipline their kids have a hard time disciplining themselves.
Jeffrey Johnson
Supporter
How should Christians discipline their children? What does the Bible say? Christians are called to discipline their children with love, patience, and consistency, focusing on teaching wisdom rather than venting frustration. The Bible frames discipline as a vital part of discipleship, reflecting God's own loving correction of His children. Discipline is an act of love: The scriptures teach that God disciplines those He loves (Hebrews 12:6). Therefore, parental discipline should be rooted in deep affection and care, not in anger or punitive punishment. Proactive instruction: Deuteronomy 6:7 commands parents to teach God's truths diligently to their children at all times—when they sit at home, when they walk along the road, when they lie down, and when they get up. The "Rod" of correction: The Book of Proverbs contains several verses (e.g., Proverbs 13:24, 22:15, 23:13-14) that mention the "rod". Historically and theologically, Christian denominations debate whether this implies physical discipline or refers to a shepherd's rod used for guidance, boundaries, and protection. However, all Christian traditions agree that it is never meant to inflict harm or abuse. The ultimate goal: The primary purpose of biblical discipline is to drive out foolishness, impart wisdom, and point children toward a personal relationship with Christ. Ephesians chapter 6, verse 4 says, "Fathers do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord." So here, it's a comparison of what parents should do and what they should not do: parents are to bring their children up under the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Colossians 3:21 similarly warns that harshness can discourage children. The Bible emphasises child discipline as a necessary act of love and guidance. It highlights that correction is designed to drive out foolishness, build wisdom, and ultimately lead to a peaceful, righteous life. Proverbs 29:17: "Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart." Proverbs 22:6: "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." Consider the 4 R's of discipline? Discipline must be reasonable, related, respectful, and responsible. If the consequence falls outside the range of one of these four R's, most likely it's not a logical consequence. Making the consequence both related and reasonable is very important. Most punishment is totally unrelated to the misbehaviour. The 4 P's of parenting Practice, Praise, Point out (positives), and Prompting—are a core set of evidence-based, positive parenting strategies recommended by experts like the Nanny Institute and the Triple P Positive Parenting Program to manage behaviour and build strong family dynamics. These four actionable techniques focus on teaching children life skills rather than simply reacting to misbehaviour: Discipline is an act of love, for the Lord disciplines the one he loves. – He is love, and yet he disciplines us because he loves. Proverbs tells us that not to discipline is to hate. The motive is love. Jesus said, "Those whom I love, I rebuke and discipline." So if a parent says, "I love him too much to discipline him," Scripture would tell us you are hating him and loving yourself.
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