6/29/12 Correction is not rejection. Correction is not to be confused with rejection. Correction is an expression of concern and love. This relationship is clear in the scriptures. In Proverbs 3:12 it states in the King James version, “For whom the Lord loveth, he correcteth; even as a father the son in whom he delighteth”.
God’s correction is mirrored in the human parent/child relationship. The first thing both God and the parent do is speak to their child. “Do not run in the street!” If that does not work, then the child is restrained, even physically from running into the street. “Here, take my hand” so I can protect you. If that does not work, then a measure of physical punishment is in order. A slap on the buttocks is far less painful than being hit by a car. So often these measures of correction have to be repeated for those slow to accept the correction or appreciate the act of love. The correction is a loving act to avoid catastrophic consequences. When blinded to the love aspect of correction, the child may become rebellious. This often results in being “hit by a car” and wondering why.