--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: I cannot believe that God wants…" description: "\"I cannot believe that God wants punishment to go on interminably any more than does a loving parent. The entire purpose of loving punishment is to teac..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b2/madeleine-l-engle-345_believe_i-cannot-believe-that-god-wants-punishme_952925.png" --- # I cannot believe that God wants punishment to go on… ![“I cannot believe that God wants punishment to go on interminably any more than does a loving parent. The entire purpose of loving punishment is to teach, and it lasts only as long as is needed for the lesson. And the lesson is always love.” quote by Madeleine L'Engle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b2/madeleine-l-engle-345_believe_i-cannot-believe-that-god-wants-punishme_952925.png) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b2/madeleine-l-engle-345_believe_i-cannot-believe-that-god-wants-punishme_952925.png) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/5b2/madeleine-l-engle-345_believe_i-cannot-believe-that-god-wants-punishme_952925.png) > “I cannot believe that God wants punishment to go on interminably any more than does a loving parent. The entire purpose of loving punishment is to teach, and it lasts only as long as is needed for the lesson. And the lesson is always love.” [Madeleine L'Engle](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/madeleine-l-engle/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Punishment, when rooted in love, is temporary and meant to teach love as the ultimate lesson. **In simple terms:** Loving discipline is brief and teaches love. Key Takeaway Use discipline with compassion. Themes love discipline teaching compassion Mood reflective thoughtful Type ethical philosophical When to use this quote - child upbringing - education - spiritual guidance - conflict resolution Key Concepts Theology ethics parenting Questions to Reflect On - How can we ensure discipline remains loving? - When does discipline become harm? A Different Perspective Punishment can become abusive if misapplied. ★ ★ ★ ★ ★ No ratings yet [Lessons](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/lessons/) [Love](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/love/) [Loving parents](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/loving-parents/) [Parent](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/parent/) [Punishment](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/punishment/) [Purpose](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/about/purpose/) ## Related quotes > [Have compassion for your humanity and your flaws. You're human and you're going to make mistakes. 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