What Does it Mean to 'Honor Your Father and Mother'? - The Bible's Answer

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The commandments to "honor your father and mother" appears often in the Bible.  (Exodus 20:12; Deuteronomy 15:16; Matthew 15:4; Ephesians 76:2, 3) It involves four key actions. 

1. Appreciate them.  You honor your father and mother when you are thankful for all they have done for you. You can show your appreciation by valuing their guidance.  (Proverbs 7:1, 2; 23:26) The Bible encourages you to view your parents as your "glory." that is, to be proud  of them. - PROVERBS 17:6.

2. Accept their authority.  Especially while you are young, you honor your father and mother when you recognize their authority God has given them.  Colossians 3:20 tells young ones: "Be obedient to your parents in everything, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord."  Even Jesus willingly obeyed his parents. - LUKE 2:51.

3. Treat them with respect.  (Leviticus 19:3; Hebrews 12:9) This often involves what you say and how you say it. True, some parents at times act in ways that make it hard to respect them. Even then, children can honor their  parents by avoiding disrespectful speech and actions.  (Proverbs 30:17)  The Bible teaches that speaking abusively of one's father or mother is a serious offense. - MATTHEW 15:4. 

NOTE: No where in the Bible does it say to start a holiday in honor of them, just what is mentioned here.   The only reason for the holiday is for businesses to make money from it, because that is all they care about.

4. Provide for them. When your parents get old, they may need practical support.  You can honor them by trying your best to make sure that they have what they need. (1 Timothy 5:4, 8)  For instance, shortly before he died, Jesus arranged for the care of his mother. - JOHN 19:25-27.

Next time: What Does It Mean to 'Honor Your Father and Mother'?

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