Family Dynamics
Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.
Ephesians 6:1-4 (NLT)
It should come as no surprise that our relationship with our parents tremendously impacts who we become as adults. Maybe growing up in your home was a tremendous blessing, with godly parents who pointed you toward Christ. Praise God! But perhaps it was a difficult season of your life, filled with conflict and stress. In that case, the call to honor your parents might chafe. They haven’t earned it, and they don’t deserve it.
Neither have we earned or deserved the love that God grants us.
The call remains the same for all of us: honor your parents. For some, this is easier than others. You may need to process some things and maybe even have a tough conversation. Perhaps you need to begin walking a difficult path toward forgiveness.
One of the things we emphasize to our students at Brookwood Church is that parents are people, too. They have struggles and shortcomings, the same as any of us. Grace abounds—and that grace covers parents as well. You need only become a parent yourself to realize that Paul’s words in Ephesians 6:4 aren’t easy. If you’re in a season of raising children, remember to treat your children with the grace and kindness you’ve received from God. Children are a blessing and sacred trust from the Lord!
Application
Reach out to your parents. Ask them how you can pray for them. This is one small way to fulfill the fifth commandment and honor our parents. If you are a parent, ask God to help you treat your children as He treats His own.
Prayer
Father God,
Thank You for being my perfect heavenly Father. Help me to honor my parents and, in so doing, honor You. Make me more like You—slow to anger and quick to forgive.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?