Honoring parents is a foundation for a healthy life and a healthy community.
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”Ephesians 6:1-3 (KJV)
What does “Fathers and mothers” mean in Ephesians 6:1-3?
Paul cites one of the Ten Commandments and notes that it carries a promise. The honoring of parents is described as right and as tied to a good life.
Going deeper
Paul writes, Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth. The command comes with a promise, and it is described as right. Honor does not always mean agreeing with parents, and it does not excuse abuse. It means treating them with respect and care, according to what is possible.
Family relationships can be complicated, and for some they are painful. This verse can be a place to start with honesty. Perhaps you can thank a parent for something, call them, or pray for them. If your parents are gone or the relationship is hard, you can honor what was good and entrust the rest to God. And if you are a parent, you can help your children learn honor by treating them with love and respect.
Reflect
How could you honor a parent, or a parent figure, this week?
Pray
Lord, help me to honor my father and mother in the way that is right. Heal what is broken in my family, and make me a blessing to those who raised me. In Jesus' name, amen.
Get the Daily Word by email
One short study, a verse, and a prayer in your inbox each morning. Free, for anyone, anywhere.
By subscribing you agree to receive one email a day from Light of Christ Christian Church. You can unsubscribe at any time with one click.