Honoring Parents

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—this is the first commandment with a promise— “so that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.” - Ephesians 6:1-3 (NRSVue)

The scripture passage for today may be read as a proverb. It offers timeless wisdom and practical moral guidance. Proverbs use everyday scenarios to convey deeper truths, and this commandment similarly speaks to us about honor, respect, and forgiveness within the family.

Reading the text as a proverb allows us to see it not just as a directive but as a guiding principle for our lives and relationships. This perspective helps us explore how honoring our parents relates to personal growth, empathy, and healing, even in challenging family dynamics.

These scriptures may resonate more deeply with those fortunate enough to have been raised in families where parents acted honorably. For many, honoring their father and mother comes naturally, rooted in respect and love nurtured by their upbringing. However, we must also recognize that not everyone has had the benefit of parents who acted honorably. For those who struggle with complicated family dynamics, the call to honor can feel challenging or even painful.

Honoring parents in such contexts might mean setting healthy boundaries, forgiving past hurts, and striving to break the cycle of dishonor. It can also involve honoring the role of parenthood generally, even if the specific individuals did not fulfill their responsibilities well. It means learning from our own pain and working to be the parent role model that we did not experience.

Finding healing for ourselves means granting forgiveness—an ability from God. We look to Him for wisdom, guidance, and comfort, finding healing in His sacred Word and in conversations with Him. We may also seek help from our church, trusted friends, and externally from counseling and support groups. Remember that forgiveness is not about condoning bad behavior but about freeing yourself from the burden of resentment. Ask God for the strength to forgive and for healing from past hurts.

The principle behind this commandment invites us to seek ways to honor the role of parenthood and the intentions behind God's design for families. It encourages us to cultivate respect, humility, and forgiveness and to seek God's wisdom in navigating these relationships. As we reflect on this text, let us remember to extend grace to ourselves and others and strive for healing and growth in our journeys, trusting in God's promise of well-being and eternal life.

Heavenly Father, we are grateful for Your love and guidance. Thank You for the wisdom of Your Word, teaching us to honor our parents and seek Your truth. We acknowledge the hurt and healing of those faced with the challenge of honoring their parents. Help us be compassionate, loving, and supportive friends to those who struggle. Grant us the strength to set healthy boundaries, forgive past hurts, and break cycles of dishonor. Help us celebrate the role of parenthood, even under challenging circumstances. May we find healing in Your love and learn to forgive, not to condone bad behavior, but to free ourselves from resentment. Holy Spirit, encourage us to extend grace to ourselves and others and trust in Your promise of well-being and eternal life. In Jesus' name, we pray. Amen.

Blessings,

Pastor Tim