How to Honor Your Parents

How can a child truly honor his parents? Is it possible to disagree with them and still honor them? Keep Reading...

Ephesians 6:2-3 NIV - “Honor your father and mother”–which is the first commandment with a promise– “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” 

I imagine you would love the thought of living a long and prosperous life on earth. But, are you willing to do what it takes to live this kind of life? Honor your father and mother.

How can a child truly honor his parents? Is it possible to disagree with them and still honor them? Is mere external conformance to rules real honor? These are real questions that come when we hear this command.

True honor is possible no matter what kind of parents you have. For honor is first of all an attitude of the heart. When a heart of submission is chosen, then the appropriate actions of honor can be discerned. Even in disagreement with parents, you can approach them with love and respect.

Children who practice honor through obedience to parents will be able to follow that honor through to their heavenly Father. Disregard and apathy toward your parents will then be reflected in your relationship with your Father in heaven.

When children are grown, they still have a responsibility to honor their parents. They should keep the lines of communication open, seek input and pray about the counsel they are given. Parents feel honored when they are let into their adult children's lives. Even if there is disagreement with the ultimate direction of the child, the parents will feel valued as their opinions have been sought out.

Express your love and appreciation for your dad and mom today. Send a note of affirmation. Talk on the phone. Make a way for honor to be expressed.