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Daily Devotion: Proverbs 13:24

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Proverbs 13:24    "He that spareth his rod hateth his son: but he that loveth him chasteneth him betimes."

This seems like a harsh saying, and to the mind it probably is a harsh. But there is great wisdom in this Proverb if we really stop to think about it. No one wants to say, or even think the words, concerning hating a son. It just doesn't happen. There is love for our own flesh and blood and that is exactly how God intends it to be.  But love expresses itself in many different ways. 1 Corinthians 13 tells us of the expressions of love. Love is patient and kind. It doesn't envy the blessings of others nor does it exalt himself above others. Love behaves in a manner that is appropriate and bears all things that we might think to be inferior in others. In reality, love covers all the blemishes of others and does not promote ourselves. Love in action never fails.  If we truly love our children, we will help guide them into a good upright manner of living.  Those are some expressions of love but God tells us that loving guidance also will correct our children. Love will move us to protect them from danger and from harming themselves even if it means using the "rod of correction."  I remember Elder John Scott saying that his father was not against "applying the board of education to the seat of learning."  When properly understood, correction is a form of love that makes a difference in our lives. The ultimate example of this is found in our Heavenly Father. We are told in Hebrews, chapter 12:6, "For whom the Lord loveth he chasteneth..." He goes on to say that if we do not receive chastisement from the Lord for the wrong in our lives, then we are not sons.  Yes, chastening is not pleasant at the moment, but it ultimately brings forth the fruit of peace in our lives. Thank you Lord that you love me enough to bring me back into the paths of righteousness when I stray.

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