We are called to be ENCOURAGERS of righteousness MORE than we are called to be CORRECTORS of unrighteousness. As sons, we yield to the Father's correction in our life because of the HOPE instilled from His loving words to our heart.
While raising our daughter, at times, we used the rod of correction to point her towards the HOPE of righteousness before God. If we had been too hard, she might have lost HOPE of ever being able to live right before God or worse yet, depending on the degree of the sensitivity of her heart and soul, she may have succumbed to condemnation.
Not all of us are able to receive the same degree of correction and maintain the same level of HOPE as perhaps other members of the Body of Christ who may have a more stable self image.
Fathers are to be sensitive to the weaknesses of their sons and seek to speak more to the CHAMPION in them than to the CHUMP!
My earthly father took time to correct me as well as RECONNECT me to HOPE. After I received correction, he lovingly hugged me and spoke LIFE over me.
Friends, if we break out our faithful knife to wound like a friend, we should also make sure we break out the bandages to bind the wound for healing. Just like a doctor who has performed surgery on a patient - don't leave the patient on the operating table still laid open after the cancer has been removed, take the time to stitch them up so that they can begin to heal and have HOPE restored in a clean and sterile environment.
Also, when you are chastened from a father, don't run from your father. A father will look you in the eye and tell you the truth in love and then place their arms of love around you. Correction doesn't have to be punishment. Correction can be gentle instructions.
Kaitlyn was very sensitive as a child when she received correction. She didn't have to have too many spankings, mostly all we had to do was begin to talk to her about what she did wrong and she'd already be crying her eyes out. That's when we'd kneel down and hug her and kiss her and tell her that we loved her.
Even to this day, I always make sure that she knows that her daddy loves her. Her POSITION as my daughter is GREATER than what her CONDITION will ever be...no matter what!
To every spiritual father, your children have to know you love them. Your love for them should never be a question in their hearts. Give everyone the band-aid of HOPE in everything you do.
"For we are saved by hope..."
