Topical Bible: Children: Good: Show Love to Parents

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In the Christian tradition, children are encouraged to show love and respect to their parents as a fundamental aspect of their faith and obedience to God. This principle is deeply rooted in the Scriptures and is seen as a reflection of a child's commitment to living a life that honors God.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides clear guidance on the relationship between children and their parents. One of the most direct commands is found in the Ten Commandments, where honoring one's parents is emphasized: "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12). This commandment underscores the importance of respect and love within the family unit.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates this commandment, emphasizing its significance: "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). Here, Paul not only repeats the command but also highlights the promise of well-being and longevity associated with honoring one's parents.

Expressions of Love

Showing love to parents can take many forms, and the Bible provides examples and teachings that illustrate these expressions. Love can be demonstrated through obedience, as seen in the aforementioned passages. Obedience is not merely about following rules but is an act of love and respect that acknowledges the authority and wisdom of parents.

Another expression of love is through care and support. Proverbs 23:22 advises, "Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old" . This verse encourages children to value their parents' guidance and to care for them, especially in their later years.

The Example of Jesus

Jesus Christ Himself set an example of honoring and loving His earthly parents. In Luke 2:51, it is recorded that Jesus, as a young boy, was obedient to His parents: "Then He went down to Nazareth with them and was subject to them" . Even as the Son of God, Jesus demonstrated humility and respect towards Mary and Joseph, providing a model for all children to follow.

The Role of Love in the Family

The family is seen as a foundational institution ordained by God, and love is the glue that holds it together. Colossians 3:20 instructs, "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord" . This verse highlights that the act of loving and obeying parents is not only beneficial for the family dynamic but is also an act of worship and devotion to God.

In summary, the Bible consistently teaches that children should show love to their parents through obedience, respect, and care. These actions are not only beneficial for the family but are also pleasing to God, reflecting a life lived in accordance with His will.

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Genesis 46:29
And Joseph made ready his chariot, and went up to meet Israel his father, to Goshen, and presented himself to him; and he fell on his neck, and wept on his neck a good while.
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Library

An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
... to the Lord, and so bring up your children that they ... ancestors will be wise to pause
a good deal before ... Show that you love these things by binding them upon ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/an appeal to children of.htm

On the Different Grades of Love.
... It is possible then for all to show that love which ... therefore we have time, let us
do good unto all ... in another our brothers, in another our children, and there ...
/.../cassian/the conferences of john cassian/chapter xiv on the different.htm

Special Conference in virginia.
... the Sabbath, the Day of the Lord, "the good, useful, holy ... Do you love your children? ...
They admonish the congregations to show their brotherly love in permitting ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/special conference in virginia.htm

Home-Example.
... "To give children," says Archbishop Tillotson, "good instruction and a bad example,
is but beckoning to them with the head to show them the way ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xx home-example.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... yet discretion should lead him not to show more love ... (6) When parents lay commands
upon their children which they ... could not do this with a good conscience; but ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

The Domestic Relation.
... parents and children, parents scolding their children for almost ... needs reproval,
take him quietly and show him the ... you want to see him become a good and noble ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter xiii the domestic relation.htm

Fathers and Children'
... at their loving pleasure rather than loving God, when you show them nothing ... And last
of all, are your children despisers of those who are good, inclined to ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon i fathers and children.htm

Thou Shalt Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother.
... us living parents, should we rejoice to show them honor ... death the all-subduer, the
teacher of wicked children]. ... will reward you abundantly with all good, or if ...
/.../luther/the large catechism/thou shalt honor thy father.htm

On the Education of Children
... the root of their pride, teach your children as soon ... the express likeness of the
wise, the good, the holy ... Show them that in pride, passion, and revenge, they ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 95 on the education.htm

On Obedience to Parents
... not mealy-mouthed; say not, like foolish Eli, "Nay, my children, it is no good report
which ... Show them the reason of your own plainness of dress, and show it ...
/.../wesley/sermons on several occasions/sermon 96 on obedience to.htm