The Lost Love Of Spanking

Oh, what a touchy subject. Dare I even talk about it!? I dare. But I'll let Scripture speak on the matter first.

1. Spanking is an act of love.

Proverbs 13:24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

2. Spanking is do be done diligently.

Proverbs 13:24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

3. Spanking Is Intended To Produce Repentance.

Proverbs 22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

4. Spanking Helps Bring Honor To The Parents.

Proverbs 29:15 The rod and reproof give wisdom, but a child left to himself brings shame to his mother.

5. Spanking Is Not Yours To Withhold

Proverbs 23:13-14 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. [14] If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.

6. Spanking Is Intended To Play A Part In Saving The Soul Of Your Child

Proverbs 23:13-14 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. [14] If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol.

Many see the lines between spanking and abuse too blurry and so they would rather find other means of discpline and training for children. Obviously there are a deep spiritual and physical differences between godly spanking and worldly abuse. While the Word of God is to be the primary instrument by which Christians parents discipline and train their children, spanking does have it's proper place in the life of young ones as the above Scripture show us.

Spanking, along with the Word of God is intended to produce righteous living in the young believer. But even before that, spanking is intended to communicate the gospel story. It shows a child that sin has serious consequences. When they feel the sting of disobedience and then see that Christ was bruised for our iniquities, the gospel will be all the more clear. Spanking communicates to them God's displeasure and wrath for sin. When they look to the Christ who is our propitiation, they will fall in love with the Savior who suffered in their place. Is it any wonder that Scripture teaches us that whoever spanks their children will save their souls from Sheol?

Spanking is done to save souls and point to the glories of the cross. Abuse is done for sinful reasons. What a vast difference between the two. If you love your children and love the Lord, do not withhold spanking from them. Discipline them in love. They will know the difference between godly discipline and worldly discipline. Make sure it is done to honor the Lord, not to appease the flesh.