Honor Your Parents: Try This
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Scripture
"Honor your father and mother, as the Lord your God commanded you. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you." Deuteronomy 5:16 NLT
Thought for the Day
God's Word leaves no doubt: He wants us to honor our parents. Today's scripture (the fifth commandment) states it clearly. This instruction is repeated several times in the Old Testament, and Jesus reinforces it in Matthew 19:19.
So, you know you are supposed to honor your parents—but how do you do that as they get older? Especially when you must become the decision maker for them?
Consider This ...
One way to honor your parents is with your time. Do you prioritize them into your schedule, or do you just try to fit them in here and there? You can honor them by making them a priority in your life. Here are some other ideas.
- Ask their advice on something that concerns you personally. (Be real—don't patronize.)
- Confide in them about things in your life.
- Ask them to pray for you.
- Really listen to them—to their thoughts about their current situation as well as to stories from the past.
- Ask questions.
- Show a sincere interest in them.
- If their health permits, include them in some of your activities with friends and other family members.
- Honor their decisions whenever possible.
- Encourage them to use their time and talents to bless others.
- Cherish their wit and wisdom and be thankful you have parents to enjoy.
Prayer
Father, I thank you for my parents. I know you want me to honor them ... and I want to do that. Please help me understand what that looks like during this season of their life.
In Jesus' name ...
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©Living Free 2020. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to [email protected]
