HONORING YOUR PARENTS: THE FORGOTTEN COMMANDMENT WITH A PROMISE.

Light The Way ponders anew on old age but prominent issues of honoring and respecting your parents. In a fast-paced world, it’s easy to overlook the profound impact our parents have on our lives. From nurturing us through childhood to offering unwavering support, parents deserve our deepest respect and kindness. These are bunch of be good to parents’ writings draws from religious teachings, famous thinkers, and cultural wisdom to inspire us to treat our parents with the love they have shown us. Whether you’re seeking motivation to express gratitude or reminders of filial duty, these be good to parents’ reflection will touch your heart and encourage meaningful actions. Being good to parents isn’t just a moral obligation, it’s a source of personal fulfillment and societal harmony. Many traditions emphasize that honoring parents brings blessings, longevity, and inner peace. Exploring this timeless advice is good for children to reflect on your relationship with your mom and dad. What “Honor” Means in Scripture•

What does it mean to honor my father and mother/ Got questions answers, “Honoring your father and mother is being respectful in word and action and having an inward attitude of esteem for their position. The Greek word for honor means “to revere, prize, and value.” . Hebrew “kabed” carries the idea of weight, worth, and glory. • To honor parents, then, is to treat them as weighty—worthy of serious respect, attention, care, and gratitude. • It is more than a feeling; it is shown through attitudes, words, and concrete actions (Colossians 3:20; Proverbs 1:8-9). Honor is giving respect not only for merit but also for rank. For example, some citizens may disagree with the President’s decisions, but they should still respect his position as leader of their country. Similarly, children of all ages should honor their parents, regardless of whether their parents “deserve” honor. God exhorts us to honor father and mother. He values honoring parents enough to include it in the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12) and again in the New Testament: “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother which is the first commandment with a promise, so that it may be well with you, and that you may live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3). Honoring parents is the only command in Scripture that promises long life as a reward. Those who honor their parents are blessed (Jeremiah 35:18-19). In contrast, those with a “depraved mind” and those who exhibit ungodliness in the last days are characterized by disobedience to parents (Romans 1:30; 2 Timothy 3:2). Solomon, the wisest man, urged children to respect their parents (Proverbs 1:8; 13:1; 30:17). Although we may no longer be directly under their authority, we cannot outgrow God’s command to honor our parents. Even Jesus, God the Son, submitted Himself to both His earthly parents (Luke 2:51) and His heavenly Father (Matthew 26:39). Following Christ’s example, we should treat our parents the way we would reverentially approach our heavenly Father (Hebrews12:9; Malachi1:6).”

We happen to live in an era where things have fallen apart, and the center no longer holds. What used to be a welcome development, and good virtue has become a taboo. Children grow up to alleviate their parents. They feel entitled to live a life they didn’t give themselves. Yet God, our Heavenly Father, in the book of Exodus 20:11 commands us, “Honor your father and mother so that you may live long in land the Lord your God has given you.” Apostle Paul expounded on this command in his Epistle, Ephesian 6:2 “Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise – so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” The important aspect of this command implies that your children shall in turn honor both of you. This is a commandment not a suggestion. Before then, Genesis 10:8-15 named certain fathers and the significant role they played. The commandment to honor parents didn’t qualify it with anything. It’s unqualified and unconditional love and honor that fulfills blessings beyond our imagination. This commandment carries with it some hidden curses and blessings It’s does not matter the excuses one offer for disobedience, it does not fly, rather it results to negative consequences.

Some children grow up only to remember and complain about what their parents ‘didn’t do for them, forgetting the untold sacrifices they made, giving the constraints they found themselves. When their mom and dad had misunderstanding, they were quick to jump in and blame their dad; they are not privileged to know the root cause or the extent of their misunderstanding and judge with evidence, out of sentiments but emotionally in favor of their mom. The secret unknown to them is that their mom could be a good mom to them but a bad wife (or knife) to their father and vice versa. Also, dads are the “Seed planters” while moms are the “Seed carriers.” These children grow up to remember how their mom’s fed and cared for them but cared nothing about who provided the resources. They remember how their dad disciplined them for infringements and disobedience “Discipline your son, for there is hope; do not set your heart on putting him to death.” Proverbs 19:18 ESV. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Colossians 3:20 ESV Many children remember who bought their provision at school but forget who paid their school fees and purchased their books, uniforms etc. They don’t forget who bathed them but hardly know who pays the rent and bought the bathing soap. Surprising, most of these overgrown children, because they didn’t learn the rudiment of lovely home, are already having problems in their marriages. Some believe in learning from their mistakes but forgetting one nasty mistake could end up in prison. Others would want to be taught by the church, school or in Christian fellowship, but the home builds the foundation that they don’t have.

David G. Burkholder on Young men, Be strong writes, “A lovely home makes a wonderful starting off place for a young man. He has good habits and values reverted into him without knowing when it happened. If you have (or had) such a home, thank God.  If not, determine that if you ever have a home, you will make it a strong home for God. Your home, good or bad, cannot guarantee what you will be. Many young men had a loving home but never seemed to profit from it. After leaving home (or even before) they failed to appreciate the good things about their home. Years later, in many cases, they wish they could go back and start over but most times it could be too late or near- impossible.” This reminds us of the story of the prodigal son in Luke 15. “Prodigal Son” means someone who is “lost,” “ruined,” or “absent,” not just physically, but also in relation to values and family love. In Luke 15:11-32, Jesus tells the story of a young wayward son who squanders his inheritance but is welcomed back by his father. He started by not valuing his father’s efforts and wealth, and their home, believing in a better outside; asking for his inheritance, leaving home, squanders the money, finds poverty and despair, before returning home to a father who, after all that, welcomes him back.  The son’s bold and deeply offensive request for his inheritance signifies. a deep disrespect and a desire to sever familial ties. He asks for his share of the inheritance, while his father is still alive. In that culture, this was more than selfish. It was shameful, almost like saying, “I wish you were dead. It implies he never wishes to return home, yet the father yearned for the return of his son. That younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wildlife. The son expressed imperfect contrition. When a severe famine strikes, he finds himself in dire need, reduced to feeding pigs, and feeding on pig’s foods, a task and behavior abhorrent to Jewish culture and sensibilities. The prodigal son represents those who take their blessings for granted. His departure signifies a lack of appreciation for family and home. He obtained true value of life from experiences and relationships.

On a positive note, many young people have risen above the home they grew up in. The fact is a young man that pride himself above his home determines the kind of person he will be. God established the home as the cornerstone of society. Here he intends for children to learn what real love is. Family members learn what it means to be part of a close-out circle. They learn to have a good relationship with and help each other. This helps them learn how to be friendly and confident with people outside their family. God wants home to be stable and loyalties to be permanent. God also laid down responsibilities for each member. Burkholder went further to add, “First you must have an unconditional love for your parents….you love them despite their weaknesses and mistakes. By now you know they are not perfect. They may disappoint you at times. You might be tempted to think you will wait to love and respect them until they perform as you think they should. But that is a conditional love. Unconditional love loves without waiting for sufficient reason to love.

It is easy to respect and honor as well as love your parents when you believe their actions fit into your expectations. But notwithstanding, regardless of their attitude and behavior, they are still your parents…but when a young man refuses to accept his parents as they are, he loses more than a good relationship with them. His altitude affects his whole sense of values, even his attitude towards God. God planned that love and respect for parents be a necessary part of total character. Most parents (or all parents) make mistakes in raising their families but if children judge and despise their parents for their mistakes, they automatically take a giant step down the wrong road. The excuse that their parents influenced them wrongly is really no excuse at all. “Honor your father and your mother…” (Exodus 20:12). The command is clear, timeless, and non-negotiable. “He who robs his father or drives out his mother is a son who brings shame and disgrace.” (Proverbs 19:26). The verse buttress and sharpens the point by showing the tragic opposite, paints a stark contrast: honoring brings blessing; dishonor brings shame. Proverbs 19:26 reveals: Dishonor can be active—“robs his father, taking what belongs to our parents, whether money, time, or dignity. Dishonor can be passive, pushing her away through neglect, ridicule, or abandonment. Either way, the result is “shame and disgrace,” because mistreating parents mocks God’s authority structure. The eye that mocks a father and scorns to obey a mother will be picked out by the ravens of the valley and eaten by the vultures. Proverbs 30:17 ESV

Yet the scriptures contain various rebukes and instructions to obey parents. Apostle Paul in Col 3:20 admonished children to obey their parents. They should not be taken for granted. Parents always assume that children will sense their love and respect their efforts and sacrifices, even when they are not spoken of. Some children wait until their parents run out of what they have and beg their children emphatically before they reluctantly respond. Most times appreciating parents does not entail lavishing gifts on them. There’s nothing wrong with giving them gifts since they have given you their lives and unconditional love. But all they need is to thank them for the petty things they do and continue to do. These will make your parents joyful and highly honored. 1John 4 says, “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.” “Your parents desire to have closer relationship with you. They want to know how you feel and what you are thinking. They are interested in where you go as well as what is going on and what you intend to do. What are your experiences with them? As parents our earnest prayer should be that may our imperfection not delay our children from imbibing the values we tried to give them.

As young people, you must desist from being resentful towards your parents, so you don’t end up hating and disrespecting them. You must have a forgiving attitude towards them, so you don’t end up being worse than them. Young people should not forget God gave their parents the special gift of bringing them into this world. They cared and nurtured you into the profound influence you are today. They sacrificed and provided for you when you could do nothing for yourself. You should appreciate them for who they are and what they have done for you. Think less of what they didn’t do for you. It’s delusion to think your parents didn’t care about you. Even when they don’t gush over you, it doesn’t suggest they don’t like you. Some of them made mistakes at their early ages that they were determined to correct in the lives of their children, so they don’t repeat them. They get frustrated at your indifference and disregard for their instructions and corrective actions. Most parents don’t act like your best friend especially when it comes to discipline. God hold parents responsible for giving you instructions and maintaining order in the home. It doesn’t matter how gown up you may think you are you have to respect their God given position and yield to them. Do not waste time thinking how different they may act.- generational difference. Rather by obedience, you make them enjoy doing their duty as parents.

Some Biblical Passages on Honoring Parents:

 “For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘He who speaks evil of father or mother, is to be put to death’; Mark 7:10;‘Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, that your days may be prolonged and that it may go well with you on the land which the Lord your God gives you. Deuteronomy 5:16; Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. Bondservants, obey your earthly masters with fear and trembling, with a sincere heart, as you would Christ, … Ephesians 6:1-4 ESV; “‘A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect?’ says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests who despise My name. But you say, ‘How have we despised Your name?’ Malachi 1:6; You know the commandments, ‘Do not commit adultery, Do not murder, Do not steal, Do not bear false witness, Honor your father and mother.’” Luke 18:20; Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old. Proverbs 23:22 ESV; Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” – Proverbs 1:8“Listen, my sons, to a father’s instruction; pay attention and gain understanding.” – Proverbs 4:1;“My son, keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.” – Proverbs 6:20; “A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.” – Proverbs 15:20;“The rod of correction imparts wisdom, but a child left undisciplined disgraces its mother.” – Proverbs 29:15

Practical Ways to Honor Parents at Different Life Stages (Bible Hub Questions and Answers on Meaning of honoring parents today?)

1. Childhood and Teen Years Obey promptly and cheerfully (Colossians 3:20). • Speak respectfully—tone matters as much as words. • Express gratitude for daily provisions, discipline, and guidance.
2. Young Adulthood Seek their wisdom before major decisions (Proverbs 23:22). • Keep them informed about life changes; let them feel included, not discarded. • Guard their reputation in conversations with friends or online.
3. Established Adulthood Provide practical help—child-care, home repairs, technology assistance. • Offer financial support when needed (1 Timothy 5:4,8).• Celebrate milestones; show up for birthdays, anniversaries, and medical appointments
4. Their Senior Years Ensure safe housing, adequate nutrition, and appropriate medical care. • Visit or call regularly; loneliness is a heavy burden. • Defend them against exploitation or neglect. • Let grandchildren build memories; generational connections honor the past and bless the future.

Concluding Thoughts:

“Honoring parents is more than just following a rule; it’s about cultivating a heart of respect, gratitude, and care. The biblical examples of Joseph, Ruth, Solomon, and Jesus teach us that honoring parents can be expressed in several ways — through obedience, acts of service, and ensuring their well-being. By living out this commandment, we not only fulfill God’s directive but also strengthen our relationships and reflect God’s love in our families. Whether young or old, we can all find ways to honor our parents, just as the Bible teaches.” “They serve as reminders of the love, care, and respect we owe to those who have nurtured us. Through the various passages we explored, we are reminded that honoring our parents isn’t merely a duty but a source of joy and blessings in our lives. Embracing this call helps shape not just our relationships with our parents but with all those around us. By embodying these values and teachings in our lives, we can foster a culture of love and respect that permeates our interactions. Let us strive to honor our parents sincerely and wholly, reflecting that love and respect in everything we do. These lessons further emphasize the importance of family and our role in fostering healthy relationships” Pastor David-(Christianity Path). “Whether your parents are near or far, easy or difficult, living or aging, you can still honor them—through prayer, respectful speech, practical help, and a life that reflects Christ. By choosing honor, you trade shame and disgrace for blessing and joy, fulfilling both the letter and the spirit of Proverbs 19:26.”

“We should seek to honor our parents in much the same way that we strive to bring glory to God—in our thoughts, words, and actions. For a young child, obeying parents goes hand in hand with honoring them. That includes listening, heeding, and submitting to their authority. After children mature, the obedience that they learned as children will serve them well in honoring other authorities such as government, police, and employers. While we are required to honor parents, that doesn’t include imitating ungodly ones (Ezekiel 20:18-19). If a parent ever instructs a child to do something that clearly contradicts God’s commands, that child must obey God rather than his/her parents (Acts 5:29). Honor begets honor. God will not honor those who will not obey His command to honor their parents. If we desire to please God and be blessed, we should honor our parents. Honoring is not easy, is not always fun, and certainly is not possible in our own strength. But honor is a certain path to our purpose in life—glorifying God. “Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord” (Colossians 3:20). – Got Questions answers on What does it mean to honor my father and mother?