God consistently commands children to honor and obey their parents, connecting this obedience directly to His blessing and our own flourishing.
Scripture on Parents
Exodus 20:12
Old Testament
"Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you."
Proverbs 23:22
Old Testament
"Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old."
Ephesians 6:1-3
New Testament
"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.'"
Colossians 3:20
New Testament
"Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord."
Proverbs 1:8-9
Old Testament
"Listen, my son, to your father's instruction and do not forsake your mother's teaching. They are a garland to grace your head and a chain to adorn your neck."
The Bottom Line
Honoring your parents isn't about them being perfect—it's about God being worthy of your obedience.
Try Today
Reach out to one of your parents today—call, text, or visit—and thank them for one specific way they've shaped your life.
Prayer
Jesus invites us to bring everything to the Father in prayer (Matthew 7:7-8).
Father, You are the perfect parent who loves without condition. I confess that honoring my parents is hard when I see their flaws or remember their failures. Help me obey You by honoring them—not because they're perfect, but because You are faithful. Give me grace to see them through Your eyes and to love them well. Show me today how to honor them in a way that pleases You. In Jesus' name, Amen.
📚 Read Ephesians 6
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