Children and animals alike respond to gentleness and affection, but they both need a firm hand once in a while. When my granddaughter Hannah was little, one of her first horses was Mighty Mouse, a large Quarter Horse. One time in particular I remember her walking too close to his hind quarters. I had to teach her that it was very dangerous to get that close, as MM might kick her. Although gentle, if spooked, he could have hurt her real bad unintentionally.
Children need love, guidance, and parameters. If we as parents and grandparents don't set the boundaries, chaos will be the result. As a pastor I can't remember how many times I met with families of wayward teens who had grown up with no parameters. Without rules and guidelines there is no self-control. It's sad to say, but even the best children can get caught up in stuff they don't understand sometimes.
Most of us respond to love and gentleness, but we also need parameters. Many times the satisfaction of momentary pleasures can be tempting, but the results can be devastating. God has set up boundaries in His word because He loves us. They are there to keep us safe. Practicing self-control means saying, ”No” to the things that God says “No” to. God’s rules are for our benefit, and we can follow them fearlessly.
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