Parenthood Merits Honor

The Bible was written in the languages of ancient Palestine:  Hebrew, Aramaic and Greek. This fact is important because things truly do get lost in translation.

In both, the Old and New Testaments we are instructed, not suggested, to obey, honor and listen to our father and mother. Jesus said, “Follow me.” Even He “was obedient” to his parents (Luke 2:51).

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you. ~ Exodus 20:12

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.” ~ Ephesians 6:1-3

Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching. ~ Proverbs 1:8

A wise child heeds a parent’s instruction, but a mocker does not respond to rebukes. ~ Proverbs 13:1

The eye that mocks a father, that scorns an aged mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures. ~ Proverbs 30:17

Jesus replied, “And why do you break the command of God for the sake of your tradition? For God said, ‘Honor your father and mother’ and ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’” ~ Matthew 15:3-4

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the LORD. ~ Colossians 3:20

The Greek word for honor means “to revere, prize and value”. As parents are over their children, children must be taught that this “rank” merits respect. We bring life to the word “honor” when we regard our parents with great respect and hold them in high esteem. This means we show them feelings of deep admiration which are elicited by their abilities or achievements. Even when relationships are strained by our humanness we can look for that one praiseworthy thing. What can we do to hold our parents in high regard or a favorable light? Remember actions speak louder than words. Although you may not recall the words you will find a memory of an action which truly resounds of a parents love.

Mom, Dad, I love you just because! ~ XOXO ~ Kim