Why God Wants Us to Honor Our Parents

For the past couple of weeks the words "Honoring your parents were heavy on my heart. I really feel that God has placed this on my heart for personal reasons and also maybe someone else needs to hear this. Growing up I probably didn't honor my parents as much as I should of. I'm not by any means happy about this at all. Looking back I wish I would of followed the rules, listened to the long lectures from my amazing Dad, and honored them alot more. Now being an adult myself and having children I realize the importance of honoring our parents.

Deuteronomy 5:16 "Honor your Father and Mother as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you In the land the Lord your God is giving you.

God says that if we honor our parents and follow His commandments by default He promises to give us:

• Long days & long life
• Wellness in whatever land God is giving you

I do understand that you may be someone who doesn't want to honor your parents, maybe you have suffered from parental abuse, or painful things have been caused by your parents, if so, I'm very sorry you've had to experience that, May I suggest to

1. Pray for your parents -  Ask God to help them become a better person and to live in obedience to Him.

2. Forgive your parents - Ask the Lord to help you forgive so that you can move on with the beautiful life He has promised for you. He desires Glory for you.

I believe that God expresses to honor our parents in the Bible because He desires for the parent and child relationship to be the most important relationship of all relationships. The reality of it all is that we carry specific traits from our parents, we carry roots and their habits at times whether we believe it or not, and healing this relationship if it's broken is vital. God want's us to have a healthy relationship because he chose them for us, He wants us to respect them and listen to their instruction.

Colossians 3:20 " Children obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord"

Obeying our parents is pleasing to God, it says so in scripture. God is pleased with us obeying, loving and respecting our parents. Scripture doesn't say only to obey and honor our parents if they treat us right, God wants us to love and forgive, period! And as obedient children of God we must listen to Him. If your having trouble with forgiving and letting go check out our Bible reading plan on Cultivating a Heart of Forgiveness, where you're taken on a 21 day journey through scripture, reflection questions and heart to heart journaling with God. If you desire to forgive your parents from the pain start today with the help of God. 

In exodus 21:17 it says " Whoever curses his father or his mother shall be put to death. Again, this is serious to God, if you're not open to honoring your parents ask for His help and allow Him to work in your life if you struggle with this. Once you invite God in for healing your life will begin to change.

I am not a medical professional, but if you suffer from abuse I would suggest speaking to a licensed therapist or someone who can help you cope. But, also understand that God is also a personal therapist and He will help you on this spiritual journey. He can be your counselor on all levels. I hope this blog reading was beneficial to you. Today I pray for you to have new beginnings with your parents, new found hope and healing from God. For help on finding new beginnings through Christ, check out our Bible reading plan where you are taken on a 21 day journey through scripture, reflection questions and heart to heart journaling with God on new found hope and new beginnings. Sending love and light. 

-Camille Alane