Strength to Endure Consequences
Psalm 30:4-5: "Sing praise to the Lord, you His godly ones, and give thanks to His holy name. For His anger is but for a moment, His favor is for a lifetime" (NASU).
Kids can endure pretty strict consequences as long as they are secure in their relationship with you. It is important to keep this in mind when discipline is required, especially for little kids. Their greatest fear is that their bad choices will somehow drive you away from them, and that's why your anger can be very scary.
A perceived loss of relationship can make a child hide, lie, blame others, and fear you. That is why consequences must be delivered with empathy. If anger is a problem for you, wait and calm down so consequences can be delivered empathetically. After all, anger is but for the moment; your favor is for a lifetime.
Our Perfect Parent's assurance that we cannot lose His favor is a perfect example for us as parents on earth. We should "sing praise to the Lord" for that promise and thank Him every day that our sins don't cost us His love.
Show your love by delivering consequences with empathy rather than anger.
