LivingbyFaith

I'm interested in how Christians discipline their children? I have one child (a son) who is now 19 years of age. He was 5 years of age when I became a Christian. My parents used strict disciplinary measures on me and my other siblings, throughout all our childhood years and although I don't agree with how they punished us in so many ways, I still always believed that a "good spanking" when needed, isn't going to kill a child, but rather, do good for that child, then AND in the long run! My parent's disciplinary actions "didn't kill me" and I am actually grateful that they cared enough for us to take us through it. I was never in trouble by the law or in any school I attended. I wasn't perfect, but when I did fall out of line, I would always know what to expect! The bible says; Hebrews 12:11 For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. Proverbs 23:13-15 Do not withhold discipline from a child; if you strike him with a rod, he will not die. If you strike him with the rod, you will save his soul from Sheol. My son, if your heart is wise, my heart too will be glad. Proverbs 29:17 Discipline your son, and he will give you rest; he will give delight to your heart. Proverbs 22:15 Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him. Proverbs 22:6 Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it. God bless!

Us adults should be setting a "good example" for the children to follow. If children are around parents who swear frequently, of course the child is going to grow up swearing also and not think anything of it, especially if the parents do not correct them at a young age. The problem is...adults think it's funny when their young child swears, (cause it sounds cute!), therefore, encouraging the child to do it all the more!

Is it a sin to use curse words (also called swear words or cussing)? Should Christians use profanity in their conversations with others? ___________________________________________________________________________________________________ The Bible clearly condemns cursing as it is a serious sin against God. In our age today, curse words are common. Song lyrics are full of cussing. The average television show is full of vile profanity. Movies will almost always use the “GD” word, “F” word, and other filthy language. Children often pick up these nasty little “4-letter words” in the school system from their friends. Many blogs are riddled with profanity-laced tirades, and YouTube videos are filled with profanity...And on and on it goes. I can remember a time when people would apologize when a curse word slipped out. Now it’s become ingrained in society’s daily conversations. Some may consider you a “nerd” or a “goody-goody” if you don’t curse like a sailor. It’s a potty-mouthed sin that no Christian should commit, and if you do commit this sin regularly, it’s time to get serious about repenting from it. The Bible condemns cursing, filthy talk, and a loose tongue numerous times. While cursing may be common, it reflects a lack of maturity in the Christian faith, as well as a poor vocabulary. We Christians should lovingly rebuke a brother or sister who is committing this sin unrepentantly. What the Bible Says About Profanity/Cussing The worst curse word you can ever use is to take the Holy name of God and use it to curse something. God is holy and perfect. What a shame that so many people today use His name as a common curse word. In fact, have you ever noticed that no one ever curses Buddha, Krishna, Allah, or these other false gods? Here’s what God says about using His name as a curse word: This is clearly a vile sin in God’s eyes, and rightfully so. To take God’s name in vain means to take something Holy and make it worthless, common, or empty. Most people recognize that cursing using God’s name is taking His name in vain, but few people realize that common phrases such as “Oh my God (OMG)” or “By God” or “For God’s sake/Christ’s Sake” and other similar phrases also constitute taking His name in vain. Blaspheming God’s name was worthy of the death penalty in the Old Testament. Warnings Against Filthy Language in the Bible There are several other warnings against using filthy language, having a “loose” tongue, and so forth. Notice how “bad language’ is a common characteristic of ungodly people! This is why it’s important for Christians to avoid using such talk. Here are some scriptures that condemn frivolous cursing and swearing (bold emphasis is mine) or bad language: The Bible also gives us ample warnings about controlling our tongue. Even though it is a small muscle, it is also a powerful one. It can hurt many people and lead us into much trouble and sin. Dr. Adrian Rogers once said this about the tongue, “Speaking in tongues is not a sign you have religion. A sign that you have religion is controlling the one tongue you do have.” Jesus warns us that what comes out of our mouth defiles us, and He tells us that we will give an account for the words we utter one day. He also says that using harsh language (or calling a brother a fool) can potentially lead us into hell. Isn’t that a frightening thought? The Bible clearly forbids pronouncing a curse on others, such as our brothers and sisters in Christ, parents, and kings and rulers. Cursing parents was worthy of the death penalty in the Old Testament: In the New Testament, Peter denied Christ, just as Jesus predicted he would. When accused of knowing Jesus, Peter because so infuriated at the accusation (which was true, of course), that he began to curse and swear, claiming not to know Jesus: Even if someone curses us first, God’s word tells us a great way to handle it: Conclusion: Christians Are Commanded Not to Curse Even though the flesh can sometimes manifest itself in a moment of weakness (just like with The Apostle Peter), Christians are commanded to turn away from filthy language and cursing. God clearly condemns cursing, using rough language, filthy jokes, swearing, and frivolous words. We should also gently rebuke others who make a habit of practicing this sin. If you’re struggling with this sin, it’s time to pray to God and confess your bad language as sin. The Bible says that if we confess our sins, God is faithful and just to forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. You then need to make a commitment to hold your tongue and speak wholesome words, not filthy cussing. You should also abstain from filthy music, television, and friends who use this language regularly.

Everyone gets offended in some way or another and I don't believe that, that is sin, but how we react to that offense determines whether we sin or not. When I am offended by what someone says or does to me, although the offense can cut like a knife...the command for forgiveness comes to the forefront of my thinking almost immediately and from then on, I am making that decision every second, every minute, every hour and every day thereafter, until the offense in my heart is gone and I am able to live freely once again, having forgiven the person whom offended me. Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling!

That story about your friend's daughter is amazing! I'm inclined to believe it was an angel also...Amen!

Thanks Deb for this information. Do you feel like the encroaching of all animal types is occurring much more often lately than say; 5 -10 years ago?

Keep trying mate, keep trying! God bless!

G'day from Australia! - my fellow Aussie bro!

Yes, dingos, crocodiles, bull sharks, box jellyfish, poisonous snakes and spiders. Yes! those blue heelers, they're a nice dog!

Wow, In Australia, we don't have coyotes or lions or bears!

Thanks for your info. They're so cute and funny looking! I just checked them out on google. I've learned that they can run up to 26 mph and they expose their so called, "solar panel" (lower back area) to the sun to raise their body temperatures by 7 degrees, primed for a super-heated performance. For the roadrunner, your open roads are like race-tracks, good for chasing insects and lizards! Praise God for His amazing creation!

Cool! Are they a pest at all and why are they called "road" runners? Are they always on the roads?

Thanks for that. Will look it up on google images.

We learn something everyday! Thanks for your input. Interesting to hear that the coyote is much faster than a road runner, but slower than the fox. They sound like a huge pest to me! BTW, what is a "road-runner" in reality?

Wow! Every time I think about coyotes, I am reminded of Walt Disney's "Road Runner!"and I have always felt sorry for the poor coyote. Didn't realize they could be a huge problem to humans? I live in Australia...we don't have coyotes over here. I'd assume they are a "clever" animal? Another suggestion could be "sling-shots?" Is that illegal over there? What about using something that gives off a loud "bang!" that might scare them off? Just a few suggestions from the land, "Down Under!"

Thanks GandalfTheWise, this is so true, I believe you hit the nail on the head! I was wondering if anyone would come up with this response. I also believe there is another type of offense...and that is, when a Christian is living in sin and they are corrected or they have their sin pointed out to them in the nicest of ways, they can be deeply offended, as they don't want to hear that what they're doing is sin, even though it states it clearly in the Bible. This can cause divisions between Christians, usually because the one that is in sin, doesn't want to repent from their sin, nor be corrected. Thanks bro, God bless!

I would be interested in knowing this also!

Everybody, every single person who has ever lived on earth, has been offended. Not once, but many times. In some cases, many, many times. Sometimes we may view an offense as being slight. At other times we may be offended and carry a resentment against another for the rest of our lives. Some people hardly seem to notice an offense, maybe because they do not understand its ramifications. Others seem to be able to bear the meanest of personal attacks. Though undoubtedly very hurt, they quickly recover and can continue without resentment toward the offender. So serious is the subject that Jesus pronounces a solemn "woe" against those "by whom the offense comes" (Matthew 18:7). "It would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck, and he were drowned in the depth of the sea" (verse 6). The apostles also weigh in on the subject. Paul writes about how he strives to avoid giving offense: "If food makes my brother stumble, I will never again eat meat, lest I make my brother stumble" (I Corinthians 8:13). Offense can lead to bitterness and hatred. John states in I John 3:15, "Whoever hates his brother is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life abiding in him." If we allow it to go this far without repentance, offense can have eternal consequences. It is serious business! When we experience abuse from others, our natural response is to strike back. Pride prompts us to return hurt for hurt and insult for insult. However, God instructs us to love our enemies: “Ye have heard that it hath been said, Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you” (Matthew 5:43-44; see also Luke 6:27-29). When Scripture speaks of blessing those who curse us, this cursing can include insults, reproaches, and verbal offenses of all kinds. Many people struggle for weeks, months, or even years as a result of wounds caused by curses. 2 CORINTHIANS 12-10 For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. Even though we know what Jesus has to said about this matter...Why do so many Christians allow themselves to be offended??

Totally agree!

ISAIAH 3:8-10 For Jerusalem has stumbled and Judah has fallen because they spoke and acted against the Lord, defying His glorious presence. The expression on their faces testifies against them and like Sodom, they flaunt their sin; they do not conceal it; woe to them, for they have brought disaster upon themselves. Tell the righteous it will be well for them, for they will enjoy the fruit of their labor...

JAMES 4:4 You adulteresses! Do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore, whoever chooses to be a friend of the world renders himself an enemy of God.

Apparently, Prophet Sadhu Sundar Selvaraj is a false prophet!

Depends on the cat, they all have their own unique little personalities. I lost a cat of 13 years, two years ago. He was so loving...followed me everywhere, snuggled up against me on the couch, slept on my bed with me, he was gorgeous! The other cat of mine, is not so affectionate, can be quite distant but still likes occasional affection from me. I used to have a dog (malamute), but prefer cats, much easier to take care of.

Welcome to Worthy! My suggestion is...listen to these good people, they are giving you some very good advice! I myself am not sure about you going back to apologize to her...at least not at this stage when your heart is feeling vulnerable. You need to remain strong and resist any temptation that could lead you back into sin. I believe you know this deep down in your heart, as you said it yourself..."you don't want to end up right back where you started". Stay away and resist the devil. "Don't give the devil a chance!" Ephesians 4:27 Be strong! Fight the good fight of faith and know that He is with you always! God bless you brother!

Yes, the Father's discipline can be very painful, but the results (if we don't fight it) are well worth it! I believe that when we've come through it, it brings us into a deeper relationship with the Lord. Allows us to walk in more freedom and it changes our character (or inner being) to be more like Jesus!