Punishment should not be about hurting or humiliating someone, but rather about correcting wrongdoing and helping the individual understand their mistake, according to Rev. Manful.
Speaking on Plan B FM’s Nyansapo Fie Show hosted by Akosua Gyamfua, guest Rev. Manful spoke on the topic “Effective Punishment.” Rev. Manful explained that punishment must be administered calmly and with love, with the ultimate goal of bringing about positive change.
Rev. Manful stressed that the motive behind punishment is very important, noting that effective punishment should have a positive impact on the person being disciplined. He explained that discipline must also take age into consideration, as the approach used for a child should not be the same approach used for an adult. Before punishment is given, one must establish whether the wrongdoing is a repeated act or a one-time occurrence and, importantly, identify the root cause of the behaviour.
He further explained that the person being disciplined must understand why they are being punished and what they did wrong. In schools, for instance, teachers are encouraged to establish clear rules so children understand what is expected of them and the consequences of breaking those rules. However, teachers must remain patient and calm because children come from different homes and backgrounds and may have been raised under different forms of discipline.
Touching on discipline in the church, Rev. Manful explained that although the church is a spiritual institution, there are situations where discipline may become necessary to correct wrongdoing and maintain order among members. He noted that certain behaviours can distract others and affect the smooth running of church activities. For instance, using mobile phones while the pastor is preaching can become a distraction and prevent members from giving proper attention to the message. He added that church leaders may have to introduce appropriate disciplinary measures when members repeatedly go against established rules. Rev. Manful also referenced Jeremiah 33 to illustrate that punishment or discipline can sometimes be necessary when people persistently go against what is right. He emphasized that church leaders must therefore exercise wisdom, patience and love when disciplining members.
To make punishment effective, Rev. Manful advised that people should consider one-on-one conversations with those who have done wrong. Rather than immediately resorting to harsh measures, taking time to understand the situation, identify the root cause and explain the reason for the punishment can lead to better results. He emphasized that effective punishment should ultimately correct behaviour, promote discipline and produce a positive change in the individual.
Source: Anita Arthur
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