I came across the statement
Discipline is not abusive.
Indulgence is abuse.
I replied since it was on face book," It depends on your definition of discipline" My dear friend disagreed with me.
Thinking this was a pretty broad statement, I decided to publish my thoughts.
I looked up the words in the dictionary, yes , I take after my Dad.
My friend Sharon would say" Inquiring minds want to know. "
Discipline is first defined as : punish,chastise , correct , overcome , retain.
This is why I thought this statement" Discipline is not abusive. Indulgence is abuse." was not neccessarily true.
This definition even had' rod' as a word for discipline.
Second definition , more in line with my friend, said : thought ,teach, guide educate , instruct , school, train, lead, direct, manage. I get this. It is how I wish all parents disciplined .
Now for indulgence.
Indulgence definition is: to give free rein, curiosity, desire, gratify, humor, favor, oblige, satisfy, delight , please, regale .
Second definition : cater, coddle, humor, pamper, merciful, tolerate , kind , gentle, mild.
Kind, Gentle, Mild , sounds like Jesus.
The opposite of indulgence: being stern, rigid, harsh.
Now I feel justified in my thoughts,' too broad a statement' "discipline is not abusive- indulgence is abusive" One would have to know their audience rather well to make this statement. It could be taken in a very wrong way.
Wow! See how careful we must be with thoughts and words?
Mary
I don't think indulgence is a completely bad concept. It can also mean that we are indulging in something we thoroughly enjoy and it is good for us such as dancing, singing, or playing music. Discipline has two meanings for me: 1) a form of punishment; and 2) to stick with something until it is completed.
ReplyDeleteYes ,definitely.It has two meanings. I hope I pointed that out. I think good discipline is in order ,bad is out of order. I think we must indulge sometimes to be good to ourselves and others. There is nothing wrong with being satisfied or delighted or pleased . At least if it is for something good. Certainly to attain mercy kindness ,gentleness and mildness has to be good.
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