Parents

 Devotion: Honoring Parents—A Divine Obligation

Scripture:
"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the LORD your God gives you." – Exodus 20:12 (RSV)

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Reflection:
The Fifth Commandment stands as a bridge between our duty to God and our duty to others. It is the first command in the second half of the Decalogue, yet it still echoes with divine reverence—linking how we treat our parents to how we honor God Himself.

According to ancient Hebrew wisdom, honoring one’s parents isn’t merely cultural etiquette—it’s covenantal obedience. The rabbis taught that to respect one’s parents is to acknowledge the threefold partnership in human life: God, father, and mother. When we show respect to our parents, God receives it as respect toward Him. But when we dishonor them, we grieve not only our earthly parents but our Heavenly Father as well.

The command to “honor” extends far beyond childhood obedience. It encompasses lifelong gratitude, care, and reverence. Even after our parents have passed away, we honor them by living in a manner that brings dignity to their memory and upholds the values they instilled. There is no expiration date on this commandment. Whether our parents were godly examples or deeply flawed individuals, God still calls us to honor the role they played in giving us life.

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Contemplation:
Take time today to reflect on your relationship with your parents. If they are still living, how are you actively honoring them? If they have passed, how does your life reflect the values—or redemptions—of that relationship? Are there words left unsaid, forgiveness that needs to be given, or gratitude that needs to be expressed?

Consider also how the culture around us often dismisses the elderly or disrespects authority. As Christians, we are called to swim against this tide and uphold honor as a mark of faithfulness.

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Questions to Ponder:

1. How have I honored my parents in ways that reflect obedience to God?

2. What areas of bitterness or indifference may be hindering me from fulfilling this commandment?

3. In what ways can I model this honor to the next generation?

4. Do I see honoring my parents as a spiritual act of worship and obedience?

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Prayer:
Father of all generations, I thank You for the parents You gave me—whether they were nurturing or distant, faithful or flawed. Teach me to honor them in word, in deed, and in the spirit of Christ. Where there is pain, bring healing. Where there is distance, give grace. May my life reflect gratitude for the gift of life they passed on to me, and may I bring You glory by walking in the light of this command. Let my actions bring dignity to their memory and honor to Your Name. Amen.