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4 Ways that our attitudes toward our parents reflect our attitudes toward God. Let's heed Scripture's commands.

Recently a Christian told me, "If you knew MY parents, you'd understand why I don't honor them."

This attitude is prevalent in our culture - and is increasing among Christians, whether they openly admit it or not.

But God doesn't give us the power to decide when to apply His commands, and He offers no exceptions to His fifth commandment.

Whether we like it or not, our attitude toward our parents reflects our attitude toward God. 

1. When we refuse to move past our family difficulties, we doubt God's ability to use all things for good (Romans 8:28).

2. When we judge our parents harshly without taking responsibility for our sins, we become hypocrites (Matthew 7:1-4).

3. When we refuse to forgive our parents, we become bitter (Ephesians 4:31-32).

 4. When we ignore the command "Honor your father and mother" (Ephesians 6:2-3), we damage our well-being (Exodus 20:1-17).

Even if you aren't neglecting, rejecting or resenting your parents, examine your heart and ask God if you're truly honoring them.

Note: This devotion does not address children who have been physically or sexually abused by parents. They must seek godly Christian counsel in handling their relationship with their parents.

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4 Ways that our attitudes toward our parents reflect our attitudes toward God. Let's heed Scripture's commands.
I strongly encourage you to do the short Bible study with this devotion. You'll find it HERE.
And check out these other helpful 1-minute devotions on this subject: 
3 Aspects of Honoring Parents

Honoring God

Adult Children and Parents

Speck Finders

Absalom & David

Takers & Givers

The Most Underestimated Command

Give & Gain, Keep & Lose

Devotions specific to mothers and in-laws:
Bless Your Mother-in-law to Strengthen Your Marriage
Every Day is Mother's Day
Giving Mom Grace
Reckless Abandon - C.T. Studd

Bible Love Notes

https://www.amazon.com/Wisdom-Life-Devotional-One-Minute-Reflections/dp/1087775760

I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life Devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word: Wisdom for Life. Read the story behind Wisdom for Life HERE. And find out about the two free Bible studies with purchase HERE. You can read the first 4 devotions in the book by clicking "look inside" on Lifeway or Amazon.
 
I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet. Find out more HERE.

7 comments:

  1. Grandma SeelyeSeptember 24, 2017 at 9:13 PM

    Very good!!

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  2. UnknownOctober 17, 2018 at 3:32 PM

    this is one of things I often struggle with ! yes we all should honor our parents.... but what if one has been badly abuse even as a very little child ? how can you honor them ? as I became older I learned to forgive and even had back contact.... but how can I honor them ? I did helped later on and truly forgave with my whole hart.. but honor ? not sure how to do that ! but I am willing to learn, so every tip is more than welcome

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comOctober 23, 2018 at 4:22 PM

      Dear Unknown,
      I'm so sorry for your abuse and I'm so grateful that you have been able to forgive.

      I don't have an answer for you, but I know that God wants to give you wisdom so you can obey His command to honor parents. Remember, it isn't because parents are worthy but because God is worthy and He commands it.

      I pray for you as I write this that God will give you wisdom, strength, and supernatural power to fulfill His purposes in your relationship with your parents.

      Delete
    2. AnonymousDecember 28, 2020 at 10:20 PM

      What does honoring actually means? I'm a 12 years old girl...but how would I honor my mother? The same as you I'm physically and emotionally abuse. But I always forgive my mom. But how would I honor my mother?

      Delete
    3. Gail @ http://biblelovenotes.comJanuary 10, 2021 at 8:59 AM

      Anonymous,
      If you are being physically abused, you need to contact authorities.

      Delete
    4. BobbieApril 7, 2023 at 7:03 AM

      Hallelujah! Praise God that He has helped you overcome and truly, whole heartedly forgive. This is a difficult stumbling block for so many- I'm so glad you were able to forgive. Several other Bible Love Notes help with ways to honor parents and she links them here. In addition, consider this: God looked through all time and specifically chose you to be in your specific family. He knew the best parents for you, and He knew the best Child (you!) for them. What Gift, talent, skill do you have that changes things? Perhaps it's your heart willing to forgive, but truly it could be anything- but aside from caring for, attending to needs, treating respectfully- there is some special reason you and your parents have one another. You may never know, but the Holy Spirit may also guide you to share or love them in a special way.. God bless you, and thank you for sharing your success- this is a struggle of my own that I seem to never cease finding new Bitter Roots to dig up and work on, you have shared Hope with me!

      Delete
  3. MaryNovember 27, 2020 at 5:10 AM

    Good article and understandable comments as well. Peace and love to all of you.

    ReplyDelete