How can we teach children to respect parents, based on Exodus 21:17? Anchoring Our Study in Exodus 21:17 “Whoever curses his father or mother must surely be put to death.” Why God Treats Parental Disrespect So Gravely - It defies the fifth commandment (Exodus 20:12) and strikes at the order God established for the family and society. - Rebellion against parents mirrors rebellion against God, who entrusts parents with delegated authority (Romans 13:1). - The penalty reveals the intrinsic seriousness of contempt toward parents, not merely an ancient cultural norm but a timeless moral standard. Parental Respect in the Rest of Scripture - Exodus 20:12—promise of longevity tied to honoring parents. - Proverbs 1:8-9—parental instruction is “a garland of grace.” - Proverbs 30:17—graphic warning to the mocker. - Ephesians 6:1-3; Colossians 3:20—obedience pleases the Lord and brings blessing. What Genuine Respect Looks Like - Obedience: doing what is asked, promptly and with the right attitude (Ephesians 6:1). - Speech: refusing harsh, belittling, or dismissive words (Proverbs 15:1). - Honor: valuing parents’ counsel even when disagreeing (Proverbs 23:22). - Care: providing practical help as parents age (1 Timothy 5:4). Practical Steps to Teach Respect • Model it first – Speak courteously to your own parents and to family elders. – Let children hear you thank them and seek their wisdom. • Ground every lesson in Scripture – Memorize Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1-3 together. – Post verses around the house (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). • Tell the stories – Read accounts where honoring (or dishonoring) parents shaped destinies: Noah’s sons (Genesis 9), Ruth and Naomi (Ruth 1), Absalom’s rebellion (2 Samuel 15). • Practice respectful speech – Role-play common scenarios: being corrected, receiving instructions, disagreeing. – Praise the child immediately when respectful language is used (Philippians 4:8). • Establish consistent discipline – Disrespect has clear, pre-announced consequences (Proverbs 13:24). – Consequences are delivered promptly and in love (Hebrews 12:7-11). • Celebrate acts of honor – Create a “blessing journal” recording times the child served or obeyed. – Offer special privileges for repeated patterns of respect. • Engage the wider body of Christ – Let children observe multi-generational fellowship where adults honor their parents. – Invite grandparents or older saints to share testimonies of obedience and blessing. Shaping the Home Environment - Speak well of each other at the table; ban sarcasm that demeans. - Maintain orderly routines—structure supports respect. - Pray before decisions, showing dependence on God above all authority. Blessings That Flow From Obedience “Honor your father and mother…so that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.” (Ephesians 6:2-3) Teaching children to respect parents positions them for God’s promised favor, fortifies the family, and proclaims to the watching world that Christ rules the home. |
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