As Long as there is Hope
Scripture Reading: Proverbs 19:18
Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.
While this proverb deals with family matters, I want to consider the broader principle and apply it to a larger context. The statement about putting one’s son to death likely references the Old Testament laws which invoked the death penalty for specific rebellion on the part of a child. What the writer is suggesting is that as long as there is hope for change and restoration, that is what the father should aim at and work for. Therefore, apply discipline and don’t resort to the last resort.
While we don’t live under the civil laws of Old Testament Israel, we have our own ways of executing people. In today's world, we aim at killing other people’s careers, reputations, and relationships. Our hearts seem to be bent toward destruction more than restoration. Ever since we put video cameras in everyone’s hands, it seems the first impulse to any crisis or tragedy is not How can I help, but let me get this recorded so I can have a viral video on which I self-righteously pontificate about other people’s failures and sins.
If you are a Christian, you’re first impulse needs to be one of seeking restoration. “Love covers a multitude of sins.” “Aim for restoration.” These are New Testament exhortations. Follow them. Underlying this spiritual impulse is the same thing that this proverb points to - Hope. As long as there is hope, we should aim for restoration and redemption in our responses and reactions to others.
And if we don’t have any hope that other people can change, then that is a confession that we aren’t believing in the gospel or the power of God to save and change lives.
