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Guided by Love: The Path of Discipline
- Witty _1
- Jan 16
- 3 min read
This afternoon, I was reading Proverbs 3:11-12:“My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline and do not resent his rebuke, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, as a father the son he delights in.”
The word “discipline” here strikes a chord with me—it feels triggering. My understanding of discipline has been shaped by the forms I’ve witnessed in my life: childhood spankings, grounding as a teenager, and even the fiery sermons about hell preached from pulpits in my youth. Discipline often felt punitive, harsh, and fear-inducing—a stark consequence for falling short or failing to conform.
But I felt compelled to look deeper into what “discipline” truly represents in this passage. The original Hebrew word, “yakach,” reveals a different perspective. This discipline isn’t punitive—it’s a form of love. It’s active care and investment in the well-being and spiritual growth of the one receiving it.
When I think of this kind of discipline, I picture a father teaching a child to ride a bike. The father doesn’t punish the child for wobbling or falling but gently guides them through the process:“Keep pedaling. Try to steady the handlebars. You’ve got this—I’ll let go when you’re ready.”The child is learning something entirely new, taking in instructions while
navigating sensations, balance, and movement. Mistakes are inevitable, but the father’s love, patience, and grace create a space for growth. This is discipline rooted in love.
Recognizing this transforms my view of God. I see His discipline as an act of love, guiding me, waiting patiently for me to grasp the lesson, and providing grace when I falter. Like the father teaching his child, God takes His time, observing my needs, helping me navigate life’s challenges, and rejoicing in my progress.
However, one struggle I’ve faced is remaining open and vulnerable to this process. When obstacles—like a rock, a dip, or a bump in life—appear, I often fixate on them. My focus shifts from the Father’s guidance to the challenge itself, and I overthink, letting fear and doubt take the wheel.
How often do we let our attention slip past the present moment, either fixating on past mistakes or worrying about future hurdles? Yet, joy and peace are found in staying present—in hearing God’s voice and receiving His instruction as He lovingly disciplines us through this journey.
I believe Jesus acts as our spiritual training wheels. He doesn’t remove life’s challenges or the “gravity” of our circumstances but stabilizes us as we learn. Jesus fulfills the law, freeing us from the fear of falling so we can focus on balance and growth. Like training wheels, His presence allows us to develop confidence and trust, helping us navigate life’s forces with grace.
Lord, be my training wheels. Help me embrace Your discipline as a gift of love. Let me hear Your voice clearly and stay present in each moment. Teach me to trust You through life’s obstacles and to keep my focus on You, not the challenges before me. Help me be a light to others, sharing Your peace and wisdom with those I encounter. The riches I find in You are far greater than anything this world has to offer, and I desire to share them with others.
Proverbs 3:13-18 beautifully captures this:“Blessed is the man who finds wisdom, the man who gains understanding, for she is more profitable than silver and yields better returns than gold. She is more precious than rubies; nothing you desire can compare with her. Long life is in her right hand; in her left hand are riches and honor. Her ways are pleasant ways, and all her paths are peace. She is a tree of life to those who embrace her; those who lay hold of her will be blessed.”
Reflective Questions:
What preconceived notions about discipline might be shaping your relationship with God?
How might seeing discipline as an act of love change the way you face life’s challenges?
Are there areas in your life where you’ve focused more on the obstacles than on God’s guidance?
How can you invite Jesus to be your “training wheels,” stabilizing and guiding you as you grow?
What steps can you take today to remain present and open to the lessons God is teaching you?
Motivational Thought: Every challenge is an opportunity to grow in wisdom and understanding. Trust that God’s discipline is a gift of love, designed not to harm you but to guide you toward peace, joy, and purpose. Embrace the process, and let His grace carry you through.
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