Topic: Two essential ingredients for balanced parenting – Rev. Dr. Ed Young Devotional 29 OCTOBER 2020]
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Two essential ingredients for balanced parenting
By Dr. Ed Young
Parenting is tough.
Just think of the sleep-deprived young couple with their fussy newborn. Or an exasperated dad dealing with the full force of toddler tantrums. Then picture an anxious mom struggling to guide her daughter through the turmoil of teenage years.
I’ll say it again, parenting is tough. My own kids flew the nest years ago and while my job as a dad has changed, it still presents its challenges!
Yes, whatever stage you’re at, parenting takes you into many tough seasons. This is especially true right now as all of us try to help our kids navigate life in a world increasingly opposed to the Bible.
Thankfully, God hasn’t left us in the dark. He’s given us the proven truth of His Word—and I want to share two essential biblical ingredients that are sure to fill your parenting with His peace.
The first is grace.
This is the obvious starting point because that’s the way Jesus loves us.
Just think of Jesus’ encounters with so many broken people… like the Samaritan woman at the well, the woman caught in adultery, the thief on the cross. With each one, Jesus didn’t condemn or deride. Instead, He responded with undeserved kindness. He gave them – just as He gives you and me – His wonderful grace.
The second ingredient you need is discipline.
It’s so critical that children of all ages have limits and boundaries so they can feel safe, practice obedience, and learn respect.
But here’s the thing. You have to have both grace and discipline.
Because grace without discipline leads to unruliness and disrespect. And discipline without grace is just as bad – breeding hard-hearts and resentful, shallow obedience.
It should come as no surprise – after all, this is how God parents each one of us!
“Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline,” says Revelation 3:19.