I grew up in a era when parents weren’t afraid to spank their children, either with their open palms or a belt, which I remember hiding under the sofa, hoping neither of my parents would look there when they felt the urge to discipline me. Never happened – “Bring me the belt, right now!” didn’t demand an answer or an excuse, just an action. Maybe in slow motion, but action, nevertheless.

Having vowed to never be like my parents and never to spank my children, I have since become one of those species and have appreciated my parents’ efforts to keep me and my siblings on the right path while growing up. I have also learned, quite quickly after walking through the door of parenthood, that discipline is something we do for our children, not necessarily to them, because we can see what will happen if they don’t have those boundaries. Believe me, a swat to the bottom immediately after the wrong action is worth not seeing your child hauled away in the back of a police car down the road (no pun intended).

God’s love for us is like that of a parent, too. He sees us as we are – sinful, ready to get off track, neglectful of Him – and He wants to bring us back. The Bible shows many examples of people gone wrong, and even more wrong, and while He metes out punishment and “turns His face away,” it’s not because He hates us, but because He loves us. Not an easy concept as a child to understand; not always an easy place to be as an adult, but the alternative is something far worse.

Discipline, love and compassion. What a trio of emotions and actions! “I turned my face away from you for a little while,” how dark life is without His face shining on us! “'But with everlasting LOVE, I will have COMPASSION on you,' says the Lord, your Redeemer."

He said that. He loves us. What a wonder is our God.

Author: Judy Burhans