This phrase jumped out at me when I read it online today (on the Desiring God blog):
a fresh sense of God’s gracious fatherhood over us, who, when he disapproves, does not hold us in contempt—and our learning to do this for each other.
In light of the recent discussions on teaching, training, and correcting our children, this reminder seemed timely and oh, so wise. God shows His love for us in clearly explaining what is right and what is wrong, orchestrating many opportunities for us to apply that knowledge, and correcting us when we stray off the path of right. He does not approve of our straying, and He lets us know that He disapproves, but His disapproval is not delivered with a stinging contempt that can shrivel the spirit of His child. His definite correction is delivered graciously and consistently . . . faithfully.
It paints a beautiful mental picture for me that I want to keep in view as I walk through 2011 with my children.