So, I think we all can probably say that we sometimes look at grace as a "free get off the hook" when we've done something wrong. Or even sometimes we may even think of grace as getting away with something without the consequence.
However, when I look at my children I don't see grace that way. I see letting them off the hook, no consequences, or looking the other way when they sin as unloving. I don't want to see my children go down a wrong path. I want them to make wise choices. And I know that probably will not happen without discipline.
Yes, discipline can seem unpleasant at the time, but it's for our own good. When my children do something wrong I want to correct them because I love them. I don't want my correction to be harsh, to be done in anger, or when I've lost patience. I want my correction to be teaching so that my child will make a better choice the next time. I want my children to know that I discipline them because I love them. I desire for discipline to be measured out alongside grace. Even though my child has done something wrong, I want my child to know that I still love her. After discipline has taken place, I desire for the relationship to be restored. I don't want my child to think that her sin is held against her, but for her to know they're forgiven.
Do I always get this right? Absolutely not. It's my heart's desire, but often time my own sin gets in the way. I lose patience. I get angry. I grow annoyed at the normal things children do. I get tired. I need a break. And I don't extend grace.
Thankfully, God always does extend grace. Even when I'm impatient, angry, annoyed, and tired, His grace is sufficient. I just need to reach out for it. Out of an abundance of His grace, I'll be able to extend more grace.
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