How can you practically honor your parents according to Ephesians 6:3 today? Grounding the Call “Honor your father and mother”—Ephesians 6:2–3 echoes the fifth commandment and adds the promise: “that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth”. God ties tangible blessing to the way we treat our parents; He means exactly what He says. What Honor Means • More than obedience: it is respect, gratitude, and practical care • An attitude first, then words, then actions • Continues for a lifetime, though it looks different at each stage of life Why God Takes It Seriously Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 5:16; Colossians 3:20; Proverbs 1:8–9—each reinforces that honoring parents is foundational for a society that prospers and for personal well-being. Practical Ways to Honor While Living at Home • Obey quickly and cheerfully (Colossians 3:20) • Speak respectfully—tone matters as much as words • Show gratitude: thank them for meals, rides, provision, discipline • Pitch in without being asked—chores, sibling care, yard work • Guard their reputation: no complaining about them to friends or online • Pray for them daily Practical Ways to Honor as an Adult Child • Stay connected: regular phone calls, texts, visits • Listen to their counsel; even when you choose differently, acknowledge their wisdom • Express appreciation in front of others—birthday toasts, social media tributes • Include them in family events and decisions when appropriate • Seek their stories and pass the family history to the next generation • Support them financially or with skills (tech help, home repairs) if needed (1 Timothy 5:4, 8) Caring for Aging Parents • Plan ahead with them: medical, legal, housing decisions • Be present at appointments; advocate for their needs • Provide or arrange daily help—meals, cleaning, transportation • Ensure dignified living conditions; consider multigenerational housing where possible • Protect them from loneliness: church, community activities, grandchildren visits • Honor their legacy: display photos, celebrate anniversaries, preserve heirlooms • Remember Proverbs 23:22: “Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old” When Parents Are Difficult or Unbelieving • Show respect even if you must set boundaries • Refuse retaliation; choose gentle speech (Romans 12:17–18) • Keep forgiving (Mark 11:25) and intercede for their salvation • Honor the position even when the person disappoints—just as David honored Saul’s office (1 Samuel 24) The Blessing Attached • Personal well-being: “that it may go well with you” (Ephesians 6:3) • Longevity under God’s favor • A clear conscience and a strong witness to the watching world (1 Peter 2:12) • A model for your own children, sowing seeds for future generations Honor is not a dated custom; it is a living command with living rewards. Embrace it today, and watch God keep His promise. |
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