24 August, Sunday — Because I love you

21^st Sunday in Ordinary Time

Isa 66:18-21
Heb 12:5-7,11-13
Lk 13:22-30

My son, when the Lord corrects you, do not treat it lightly, but do not get discouraged when He reprimands you. For the Lord trains the ones that he loves, and He punishes all those that He acknowledges as His sons.

We do not like being corrected. Whether it’s from someone in authority — our superiors, teachers, or ministry members — our immediate reaction is often resistance. We push back, thinking we know better when it comes to our jobs, our roles, or even our own lives.

I recall how, as a young adult, I believed I knew what was best for myself. After all, who could know me better than me?

But do we, really?

Recently, I was chatting with friends about a challenging situation one of them is facing. She is deeply worried about a sibling who seems stuck in life. Out of love and concern, the family has offered encouragement and suggestions to help him move forward. Yet he rejects every one of them, insisting the suggestions won’t work. He hasn’t made any attempt to take a step forward. His inaction worries the family deeply. They fear he may waste his youth — and his life. Whenever the topic comes up, he either shuts down or falls silent. Perhaps he feels remorseful — interpreting their care as nagging. Perhaps he feels judged. Or maybe he’s simply too afraid to take even a small step, in case it ends in failure.

It reminds me of how we were as children — resenting correction, especially when it came from our parents. We did not like being told what to do. Their repeated reminders felt like nagging, their rules like restrictions. But looking back, many of us now see those moments differently. What we once perceived as nagging was actually concern. What felt like scolding was, in truth, an expression of love.

In the same way, our Heavenly Father corrects and guides us — not to punish or shame, but to form us, protect us, and help us grow. As Scripture reminds us, “The Lord trains the one He loves.” His correction, like that of a loving parent, is never without purpose. It is an invitation to maturity — a call to step into the fullness of who we are meant to be.

Has there ever been a son whose father did not train him?

If a child grows up without correction or involvement, the wounds can be deep. Those who experience uninvolved or neglectful parenting may grow up feeling unwanted or unloved. They may struggle with low self-esteem, behavioural or academic issues, or seek belonging in unhealthy places and friendships.

When I think about this further, I think about the concept of authoritative parenting. This style of parenting is marked by a close, nurturing relationship — where love and discipline go hand in hand. Parents set clear expectations, yet they also take time to explain the why behind their guidance. Correction isn’t punishment for punishment’s sake — it is meant to teach, to guide, and to support.

Isn’t that exactly how our Heavenly Father parents us?

God doesn’t discipline us to shame or reject us, but to help us grow in maturity and holiness. His correction is always rooted in love. He invites us into a relationship where communication is open, where we are free to ask questions, wrestle with doubts, and still remain deeply secure in His love. He sets boundaries — not to control us, but to protect and guide us toward what is good and life-giving.

Authoritative parenting is often said to produce the healthiest outcomes in children — confidence, responsibility, emotional resilience, and strong self-regulation. In many ways, these are the same fruits we see in those who walk closely with God and receive His correction with humility. Those who allow His Word and Spirit to shape them — however painful the pruning — begin to flourish.

It takes effort and patience, of course — both from the parent and the child. Just as human parents need grace to raise their children well, we too need grace to respond rightly to God’s training. But when we do, we grow not only in obedience, but also in deeper intimacy with our Father.

As I reflect on God’s authoritative love, I am reminded to see correction not as rejection, but as a gift — a sign that I am truly His daughter. His discipline is never to break me, but to build me. It is a call to maturity, to deeper trust, and to fuller freedom in Christ.

And just as I hope to respond well to His loving discipline, I am also challenged to embody this same spirit when journeying with others — be it in ministry, family, or counselling. To speak truth in love, to guide without controlling, to remain patient when progress is slow. To trust that, just as God is patient with me, I too must be patient with others.

(Today’s OXYGEN by Geraldine Nah)

Prayer: Lord, help me not to despise Your discipline or grow discouraged when You correct me. Teach me to recognize Your loving hand, even in difficult moments. Soften my heart when I am defensive. Give me courage when I feel afraid. When shame clouds my mind, remind me of Your unchanging mercy.

Lord, I also pray for those around me — family, friends, and those I journey with in ministry or through work. Grant me the patience and wisdom to reflect Your parenting heart. May I speak truth in love, offer guidance without control, and wait without frustration. Help me to see them through Your eyes — with compassion and hope.

Thanksgiving: Thank You, Lord, for loving me enough to correct me. Thank You for the gentle yet firm ways You guide me back when I stray. I am grateful that Your discipline is not meant to harm but to heal and to lead me into deeper growth. Thank You for never giving up on me, even when I resist or fall short.