Topical Bible: Children: should Take Care of Parents

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Topical Encyclopedia

The Bible provides clear guidance on the responsibility of children to care for their parents, emphasizing the importance of honoring and supporting them throughout their lives. This duty is rooted in the biblical commandment to honor one's father and mother, which is foundational to the family structure and societal stability.

Biblical Commandment and Honor

The Fifth Commandment, found in Exodus 20:12, states: "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 respect and care for parents, promising a blessing of longevity and well-being for those who adhere to it. The Apostle Paul reiterates this in Ephesians 6:2-3, highlighting it as the first commandment with a promise.

Support and Provision

The Bible also addresses the practical aspect of caring for parents, particularly in their old age or times of need. In 1 Timothy 5:4, Paul instructs, "But if a widow has children or grandchildren, they should first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God." This passage emphasizes the responsibility of children to provide for their parents, framing it as an expression of godliness and gratitude.

Jesus' Teaching and Example

Jesus Christ Himself affirmed the importance of caring for parents. In Mark 7:9-13, He criticized the Pharisees for allowing traditions that nullified God's command to honor one's parents. He highlighted the hypocrisy of neglecting parental care under the guise of religious devotion, thus reinforcing the priority of familial responsibilities.

Furthermore, Jesus exemplified this care during His crucifixion. In John 19:26-27, He entrusted the care of His mother, Mary, to His beloved disciple John, saying, "Woman, here is your son," and to the disciple, "Here is your mother." This act demonstrated His concern for His mother's well-being even in His final moments.

Cultural and Historical Context

In biblical times, the family was the primary social unit, and caring for aging parents was a natural extension of familial duty. The patriarchal society placed significant emphasis on the role of children in supporting their parents, ensuring their welfare and dignity. This cultural context aligns with the biblical mandate, reinforcing the expectation that children would provide for their parents' needs.

Spiritual Implications

Caring for parents is not merely a social obligation but a spiritual one. It reflects the character of God, who is compassionate and faithful. By honoring and supporting their parents, children demonstrate obedience to God's commandments and reflect His love and care within the family unit.

In summary, the Bible clearly instructs children to honor and care for their parents, both as a commandment and as an expression of godliness. This responsibility is woven into the fabric of biblical teaching, underscoring the importance of family and the mutual support that sustains it.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

1 Timothy 5:4
But if any widow have children or nephews, let them learn first to show piety at home, and to requite their parents: for that is good and acceptable before God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

An Appeal to Children of Godly Parents
... the Lord, and so bring up your children that they ... the same way of life, and should
addict themselves ... which those ornaments attain; and they take care to wear ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/an appeal to children of.htm

Whether the Duties of Piety Towards One's Parents Should be ...
... I know you not; and their own children they have ... in the latter's old age, until at
length he should bury him ... bound by the duties of kindred, to take care of him ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/aquinas/summa theologica/whether the duties of piety.htm

Appendix (Referred to in Note 1)
... by them (or that they take care and relieve them ... providence beforehand, but only
taking care of for ... plainly respect the provision which children should make for ...
/.../groves/christian devotedness/appendix referred to in note.htm

The Children's Patrimony.
... good occupation is another patrimony which should descend to ... parents, hoping to secure
for their children a large ... purpose, and unfit even to take care of what ...
/.../philips/the christian home/chapter xxiv the childrens patrimony.htm

On Our First Parents and their Fall
... Does it not seem strange that we should suffer for ... spent, till absolute poverty comes
upon the children, and the ... we place him in an asylum and take care of him ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 5 on our first.htm

The Choice of Pursuits.
... and prepared for, while under the guardian care of our parents, it is evident they
should take an active ... It is their duty to afford their children aid in ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xxi the choice of.htm

On Matrimony
... first marriage are left to take care of themselves, or receive only such care as
the ... Children should remember that their parents have received this ...
/.../kinkead/baltimore catechism no 4/lesson 26 on matrimony.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... They take care of them when they are tender, lest, like wall fruit, they should
be nipped in the ... As children grow older, the care of parents grows greater. ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

On Helping the Poor.
... Adopt Orphans, and Treat Them as Their Own Children. ... brethren who is without a child
should take the young ... same age, and that is marriageable, should marry the ...
/.../various/constitutions of the holy apostles/sec i on helping the poor.htm

He Spake to them of the Father
... the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called ... We must take the son's
place of dependence and trust ... Because we are the children and He is the Father ...
//christianbookshelf.org/smith/the god of all comfort/chapter 5 he spake to.htm