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영어

God as parent desires relationship with his children. Apparently, his relationship with his children reflects his very nature, which is love.(1 John 4:8, 4:16) God’s love as parent can help humans learn what it means to be a loving parent. God loves his children. He shows the very nature of his love by sending his beloved Son, Jesus Christ. Obviously, his love toward his children is self-giving and sacrificial. In addition, his love includes discipline. Discipline is an integral part of showing God’s love and authority toward his children.(Heb. 12:8) Even Jesus, the beloved Son, was not exempt from discipline.(Heb. 12:2) The author of Hebrews clarifies that discipline is not only the validating mark of sonship(Heb. 12:7), but also a means to strengthening faith and character.(Heb. 12:11-12) Without doubt, the motive of discipline is always love. Both God’s love and his loving discipline are integral parts of God’s parenting. God provides example, direction, and the dynamics for human parents. If one seeks a model for parenting, it seems appropriate to look to God, the ultimate model parent.