Topical Bible: Children: Good: Take Care of Parents

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The Bible places significant emphasis on the responsibility of children to care for their parents, highlighting this duty as a fundamental aspect of familial relationships and moral conduct. This responsibility is rooted in the broader biblical principle of honoring one's parents, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

Biblical Foundation

The command to honor one's parents is explicitly stated in the Ten Commandments, which serve as a foundational ethical code in the Bible. Exodus 20:12 instructs, "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." This commandment underscores the importance of respecting and valuing one's parents, which extends to caring for them in their time of need.

In the New Testament, the Apostle Paul reiterates this commandment in Ephesians 6:1-3 : "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 go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.'" Here, Paul emphasizes the righteousness of obeying and honoring parents, linking it to a promise of well-being and longevity.

Practical Application

The biblical mandate to care for parents is not merely theoretical but is intended to be lived out in practical ways. In 1 Timothy 5:4 , Paul provides guidance on this matter: "But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to show godliness to their own family and to repay their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God." This verse highlights the expectation that children and grandchildren should provide for their parents and grandparents, demonstrating godliness through their actions.

Jesus Himself addressed the issue of caring for parents in Mark 7:9-13 , where He criticized the Pharisees for allowing traditions to override the commandment to honor one's parents. He pointed out that neglecting parental care under the guise of religious duty was a violation of God's command.

Moral and Spiritual Implications

Caring for one's parents is not only a matter of obedience to God's commandments but also a reflection of Christian love and compassion. The act of providing for parents in their old age or times of need is a tangible expression of the love that believers are called to exhibit. It is an opportunity to demonstrate the love of Christ within the family unit, serving as a witness to the faith.

Furthermore, the responsibility to care for parents is intertwined with the broader biblical principle of sowing and reaping. Galatians 6:7-8 states, "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life." By sowing acts of kindness and care towards parents, children align themselves with the Spirit, reaping spiritual blessings.

Conclusion

The biblical call for children to care for their parents is a profound expression of honoring them, deeply rooted in Scripture. It is a duty that encompasses respect, provision, and love, reflecting the character of God and the teachings of Christ. Through this responsibility, children not only fulfill a divine command but also cultivate a legacy of faithfulness and compassion within their families.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 45:9-11
Haste you, and go up to my father, and say to him, Thus said your son Joseph, God has made me lord of all Egypt: come down to me, tarry not:
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Genesis 47:12
And Joseph nourished his father, and his brothers, and all his father's household, with bread, according to their families.
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Matthew 15:5
But you say, Whoever shall say to his father or his mother, It is a gift, by whatever you might be profited by me;
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Library

An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
... the Lord, and so bring up your children that they ... ancestors will be wise to pause
a good deal before ... which those ornaments attain; and they take care to wear ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/an appeal to children of.htm

The Children's Patrimony.
... 2. A good occupation is another patrimony which should ... parents, hoping to secure
for their children a large ... for no purpose, and unfit even to take care of what ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxiv the childrens patrimony.htm

How Samuel when He was So Infirm with Old Age that He could not ...
... evident example and demonstration how some children are not ... men turning aside from
their father's good courses, and ... the first place, they will take your sons ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 3 how samuel when.htm

"Good-For-Nothing"
... "Take care, the stool will overturn ... I know that a good honest handicraftsman, Erik,
the glove-maker ... has been your suitor; he is a widower without children, he is ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/good-for-nothing.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... Never listen to those who tell you your children are good, and well brought up,
and can be ... Remember the natural depravity of your children, and take care. ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Home-Example.
... who has good habits can teach his children good habits. "Who loves," says William
Jay, "to take his meat ... recommender of humility and meekness to his children. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xx home-example.htm

He Spake to them of the Father
... Too often we take upon our own shoulders the father's part, and try to take care
of and provide ... But no good earthy father would want his children to take ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 5 he spake to.htm

Brought up Thus Modestly and Soberly, and Made Subject Rather by ...
... had govemed her house piously, was well reported of for good works, had brought
up children, so often ... the grace of Thy baptism, did she so take care of, as ...
/.../augustine/the confessions of saint augustine/chapter ix brought up thus.htm

Whether the Duties of Piety Towards One's Parents Should be ...
... I know you not; and their own children they have ... De oppos.), "good is not opposed
to good." Therefore it is ... bound by the duties of kindred, to take care of him ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the duties of piety.htm

Parental Duties Considered and Urged.
... like the prayers and aims of good Cornelius for a ... Parents have a fondness for their
children, and with ... who believe them made for eternity, take care only for ...
/.../sermon xxii parental duties considered.htm