Title
Keeping Hope Alive
Scripture
Chasten your son while there is hope, And do not set your heart on his destruction.
(Proverbs 19:18)
Devotional
Chastisement is the loving art of correction. With children it frequently requires the rod of correction. Proverbs says, “He who spares his rod hates his son, but he who loves him disciplines him promptly.” With adults it may require the rebuke of a friend. The purpose of chastisement is always correction and growth. It is never to be vengeful or hateful. Correct chastisement is timely, and appropriate. One must earn the right to chastise. A loving parent has the right to chastise a needy child. A stranger does not. A rebuke to a friend comes only through a proper relationship. If there is no relationship, the right comes only through a God-given authority. Therefore, appropriately chastise those whom you love, and receive it from those who love you. For as long as there is godly chastisement, there will always be hope for the one being chastised.