The Bible places significant emphasis on the relationship between children and their parents, underscoring the importance of love, respect, and obedience. This relationship is foundational to the family unit and is seen as a reflection of one's relationship with God.

Biblical Mandate for Honoring Parents

The command to honor one's parents is rooted in the Ten Commandments, where it is stated, "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 command is reiterated in the New Testament, emphasizing its enduring relevance. Ephesians 6:1-3 instructs, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.'"

Expressions of Love and Obedience

Love for parents is expressed through obedience and respect. Proverbs 1:8-9 advises, "Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction, and do not forsake the teaching of your mother. For they are a garland of grace on your head and a pendant around your neck." This passage highlights the wisdom and guidance that parents provide, which should be cherished and followed.

The Apostle Paul, in Colossians 3:20 , further reinforces this principle: "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord." Obedience is not merely a duty but an act of love that pleases God and strengthens familial bonds.

The Role of Discipline

Discipline is an integral aspect of parental love, and children are encouraged to accept it as a form of care. Hebrews 12:7-9 explains, "Endure suffering as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you do not experience discipline like everyone else, then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Furthermore, we have all had earthly fathers who disciplined us, and we respected them." This passage underscores the importance of discipline in the development of character and the expression of love within the family.

The Example of Jesus

Jesus Christ serves as the ultimate example of honoring one's parents. In Luke 2:51 , it is recorded that Jesus, even as a child, "went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them." His obedience to Mary and Joseph exemplifies the perfect model of filial love and respect.

The Blessings of Honoring Parents

The Bible promises blessings to those who honor and love their parents. Proverbs 6:20-22 states, "My son, keep your father’s commandment, and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. Bind them always upon your heart; tie them around your neck. When you walk, they will guide you; when you lie down, they will watch over you; when you awake, they will speak to you." This passage highlights the protective and guiding benefits of adhering to parental wisdom.

In summary, the Bible consistently teaches that good children show love to their parents through obedience, respect, and acceptance of discipline. This love is not only a command but also a source of blessing and a reflection of one's relationship with God.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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

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

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

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

Home-Example.
... doing well, But set a light up to show men to ... as holy, where the parents rear up
their children under the ... serious obstacle to the efficacy of a good example is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter xx home-example.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

The Christian Training of Children.
... but ascribe it to the generally prevalent good customs and ... to see what their children
may show an inclination ... and wish only to have the children initiated into ...
/.../selected sermons of schleiermacher/ix the christian training of.htm

The Fifth Commandment
... It is good to consult the natural genius and ... When parents act partially towards their
children, showing more ... discretion should lead him not to show more love ...
/.../watson/the ten commandments/2 5 the fifth commandment.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... The nominal Christian may repeat prayers, and good prayers too, but he goes ... Parents,
if you love your children, do all that lies in your ... Show them how to begin ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.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

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

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