Prodigal: Carrying this is abuse.

Me: I don’t think so…….

This is from The Strong Family by Charles Swindoll

Since ours is a day of extremism, it is necessary to clarify a few distinctions for there to be complete understanding. First there is a distinction between abuse and discipline.

ABUSE DISCIPLINE

Unfair and unexpected Fair and expected

Degrading and demoralizing Upholds dignity

Extreme–too harsh, brutal Balanced–within limits

Torturous–leaves scars Painful–but leaves no scars

Results from hatred and resentment Prompted by love and concern

Creates terror, emotional damage, Leads to healthy respect of and

and resentment of authority for authority

Destroys self-esteem; leads to horrifying, Strengthens self-esteem; leads to the

damage and the inability, later in life, to individual’s ability to later discipline himself.

maintain responsibilities.

A joyful heart is good medicine, but a broken spirit dries up the bones (Proverbs 17:22)

Jennifer Van Allen

www.theprodigalpig.com

www.faithincounseling.org