As Christians, one of the most important things we can do is honor our father and mother. The Bible often speaks of this commandment to respect our parents – both in Old Testament passages as well as New Testament verses.
Today, we’ll explore some key Bible passages that speak to us about honoring fathers and mothers so that we may better fulfill God’s will for us!
What Does God Say About Honoring Mother and Father?
The Bible says in Exodus 20:12,
“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God gives you.”
This commandment is repeated in Deuteronomy 5:16. Honoring our parents is an important part of showing reverence to God. Our parents are responsible for our physical, emotional, and spiritual nurture, and it is important to recognize their efforts in our lives.
This commandment calls us to be obedient, respectful, and supportive of our parents, even if they don’t demonstrate the same behaviors toward us. It also teaches us to honor other authority figures in our lives, such as teachers, pastors, and elders. As we obey this commandment, God promises to bless us with a long and prosperous life.
Also Read: 42 Sunday Blessings Prayer Bible Verses
How Do We Honor Our Parents According to the Bible?
The Bible encourages us to honor our parents in both word and deed. Ephesians 6:1-3 instructs us,
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. ‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first commandment with a promise — that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on earth.”
We can also show respect by setting an example of Christian behavior while living under their roof (Ephesians 5:1)
Follow God’s example, therefore, as dearly loved children
by obeying their commands whenever possible (Colossians 3:20)
Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord.
and by avoiding talking back or arguing unnecessarily (Proverbs 15:1)
A soft word turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.
Finally, pray continually for them as they have been chosen by God to nurture you(I Timothy 2;8)
I want men to offer prayers everywhere. They should raise their hands in prayer after putting aside their anger and any quarrels they have with anyone.
Honor Your Father and Mother Bible Verses
The Command to Honor Your Father and Mother
The command to honor your father and mother comes from the Bible, specifically the book of Exodus. It states, “Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12). This commandment is often referred to as the fifth commandment and is part of the Ten Commandments.
To honor your father and mother means to respect them, obey them, and care for them. It also means showing them appreciation for the love and guidance they have given you. By honoring your father and mother, you are honoring God and showing gratitude for all that He has done for you.
Exodus 20:12
“Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
Leviticus 19:3
“Each of you must respect your mother and father, and you must observe my Sabbaths. I am the Lord your God.”
Deuteronomy 5:16
“Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God has commanded you, so that you may live long and that it may go well with you in the land the Lord your God is giving you.”
Matthew 15:4
“For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.'”
Mark 7:10
“For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.'”
The Blessings of Honoring Your Father and Mother
The blessings of honoring your father and mother are countless. Honoring your parents carries many benefits and rewards, both spiritual and physical.
On a spiritual level, honoring one’s father and mother is a commandment of God and is an expression of love and respect for one’s parents that pleases God. On a physical level, honoring one’s parents often results in favor of the Lord in one’s life. It can lead to a more secure and prosperous future, being blessed with good health, and being blessed with loving relationships.
Additionally, honoring your parents sets a good example for children and allows them to learn about respect and responsibility.
Proverbs 1:8
“Listen, my son, to your father’s instruction and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
Proverbs 6:20
“My son, keep your father’s commands and do not forsake your mother’s teaching.”
Proverbs 10:1
“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish son brings grief to his mother.”
Proverbs 15:20
“A wise son brings joy to his father, but a foolish man despises his mother.”
Proverbs 23:22
“Listen to your father, who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.”
The Consequences of Not Honoring Your Father and Mother
The consequences of not honoring your father and mother can be severe. In the Bible, God warns that those who fail to honor their parents will be cursed (Exodus 20:12).
This curse can lead to physical, emotional, and spiritual consequences that can affect every area of your life. In some cases, it can lead to strained relationships with family members as well as feelings of guilt, shame, and regret.
Additionally, it can lead to a lack of blessings from God and a decrease in favor and favor with God.
Proverbs 30:17
“The eye that mocks a father, that scorns obedience to a mother, will be pecked out by the ravens of the valley, will be eaten by the vultures.”
Isaiah 1:2
“Hear, O heavens! Listen, O earth! For the Lord has spoken: ‘I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me.”
Isaiah 30:1
“Woe to the obstinate children,” declares the Lord, “to those who carry out plans that are not mine, forming an alliance, but not by my Spirit, heaping sin upon sin.”
Ezekiel 22:7
“Fathers have eaten sour grapes, and their children’s teeth are set on edge.”
Malachi 1:6
“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?”
The Importance of Honoring Your Father and Mother in the Eyes of God
Honoring your father and mother is incredibly important in the eyes of God. The Bible makes it clear that honoring your parents is a commandment from God and is essential to pleasing Him.
In the Ten Commandments, God commands us to “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the LORD your God is giving you” (Exodus 20:12).
This commandment is repeated in Ephesians 6:2-3, which states, “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.” Honoring your father and mother is not only a commandment from God, but it also reflects His character.
When we honor our parents, we are showing love, respect, and obedience to those who are in authority over us, which is an example of the same kind of love and respect we should show to God. God also shows us the importance of honoring our parents by the consequences He puts in place for those who do not honor them.
In Deuteronomy 27:16, God says, “Cursed is the one who dishonors their father or mother.” For these reasons, it is essential to honor your father and mother in the eyes of God. By doing so, we can live a long and prosperous life, and be an example of God’s character to others.
Exodus 21:17
“Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.”
Leviticus 20:9
“If anyone curses their father or mother, they must be put to death. Because they have cursed their father or mother, their blood will be on their own head.”
Matthew 15:4
“For God commanded, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.'”
Mark 7:10
“For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.'”
Colossians 3:20
“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.”
The Importance of Honoring Your Father and Mother in Terms of Eternal Life
Honoring your father and mother is important in terms of eternal life because it is one of the Ten Commandments, according to the Bible. This commandment is seen as a way to show respect and obedience to God’s will, and is seen as a way of demonstrating our faith.
It is believed that honoring your father and mother will be rewarded with eternal life, as God promised those who keep His commandments.
Additionally, honoring your father and mother is seen as a way to pass down respect and values from generation to generation, helping to create a culture of respect and integrity.
Matthew 19:19
“Honor your father and mother,’ and ‘love your neighbor as yourself.'”
Ephesians 6:2
“Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.”
1 Timothy 5:8
“If anyone does not provide for their relatives, and especially for their own household, they have denied the faith and are worse than an unbeliever.”
Titus 2:3-5
“Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can train the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God.”
1 Peter 2:17
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
The Example of Jesus in Honoring His Mother and Father
The example of Jesus in honoring his mother and father is found in Matthew 19:19, where Jesus is quoted as saying, “Honor your father and your mother, and you will live a long life on earth.”
Jesus showed honor to his mother and father by listening to their teachings, following their guidance, and respecting their authority.
Jesus also showed respect to his parents by attending synagogue services with them and helping them when they needed assistance. This example of Jesus shows us that honoring our parents is one of the most important things we can do.
Luke 2:51
“Then he went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them. But his mother treasured all these things in her heart.”
John 2:3-5
“When the wine was gone, Jesus’ mother said to him, ‘They have no more wine.’ ‘Dear woman, why do you involve me?’ Jesus replied, ‘My time has not yet come.’ His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.'”
John 19:26-27
“When Jesus saw his mother there, and the disciple whom he loved standing nearby, he said to her, ‘Woman, here is your son,’ and to the disciple, ‘Here is your mother.’ From that time on, this disciple took her into his home.”
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Prayer for Parents
Heavenly Father,
We thank You for parents all over the world. Give them the wisdom to know how best to raise their children in a challenging world that often seeks to undermine Your guidance.
Help them navigate all of the decisions they must make with grace, love, and honesty. Lead them as representatives of your kingdom on earth and show Them patience when needed, perseverance through obstacles, and courage enough to continue being positive role models.
In Jesus Name, Amen