No Violence, No Disciple

by: Paige Lim

Discipline is one of the major factors that contributes to the correct upbringing of a child. I see no error in enforcing physical means of disciplining a child; however, when it comes to a point that violence becomes involved and when such discipline becomes a means of advocating child abuse, then such discipline is no longer ethical. It is mentioned in the Bible that, “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” It also tells parents that they should not fail in correcting their children, that “physical discipline may well save them from death”. I am against employing physical and verbal abuse when it comes to disciple because discipline should not be a means to justify abuse and mistreatment of children, nor should it be used a means of venting anger. Peace and righteousness, as previously mentioned in scripture, I believe, cannot be harvested from a child who was made to grow up in a harsh environment. Discipline is necessary, but it should be in a way that God disciplines us: in a loving manner that would build a child’s benevolent character.