HONOURING PARENTS: THE KEY TO GOD'S BLESSINGS

HONOURING PARENTS: THE KEY TO GOD'S BLESSINGS

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

MAIN TEXT: Ephesians 6:1-3 (KJV)

"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."

SUPPORTING TEXTS:
Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 5:16, Proverbs 1:8-9, Proverbs 23:22, Colossians 3:20, Matthew 15:4-6

KEY VERSE: "Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;)." — Ephesians 6:2 (KJV)

INTRODUCTION
The family is God's first institution, and the relationship between parents and children forms the foundation of every healthy society. God established parental authority not merely for order in the home but to nurture, protect, and guide children into fulfilling their divine purpose. The Apostle Paul reminds believers that obedience and honour towards parents are not optional but divine commands.

In today's generation, respect for parents and elders is gradually diminishing. Many children and young people are influenced by worldly values that encourage independence without responsibility. However, God's Word remains unchanged. Those who honour their parents position themselves to receive God's favour, protection, and long life.

This passage also reveals that honouring parents is the first commandment accompanied by a promise. Whenever God attaches a promise to a command, it shows how important that command is. Every believer who desires a life of peace, prosperity, and longevity must learn to obey and honour godly parental authority.

1. OBEDIENCE TO PARENTS IS A DIVINE COMMAND
Obedience is an act of submission to God's ordained authority. It demonstrates humility, respect, and trust in God's order for the family.

a. Obedience pleases God.
When children obey their parents, they are ultimately obeying God.

b. Obedience produces discipline.
A disciplined child grows into a responsible adult.

c. Obedience protects from danger.
Parents often see dangers their children cannot yet recognize.

d. Obedience builds godly character.
Learning obedience at home prepares believers to obey God throughout life.

Biblical Example:
Jesus Christ remained obedient to Joseph and Mary during His earthly childhood (Luke 2:51).

2. HONOUR GOES BEYOND OBEDIENCE
Honour is more than doing what parents say; it involves valuing, respecting, appreciating, and caring for them throughout life.

a. Speak respectfully to your parents.
Words can either honour or wound.

b. Appreciate their sacrifices.
Many parents deny themselves to provide for their children.

c. Care for them in their old age.
Honour includes providing emotional, physical, and financial support where possible.

d. Protect their dignity and reputation.
Never shame or disgrace your parents publicly or privately.

Biblical Example:
Jesus honoured His mother by ensuring her care while He was on the cross (John 19:26-27).

3. HONOURING PARENTS BRINGS GOD'S PROMISES
God attached special blessings to this commandment.

a. It brings divine favour.
God blesses those who honour His instructions.

b. It brings peace and well-being.
Families that practise honour experience greater harmony.

c. It promotes longevity.
God promises long life to those who honour their parents.

d. It attracts generational blessings.
Respect for parents often establishes a legacy of honour in future generations.

Biblical Example:
Ruth honoured Naomi with loyalty and commitment, and God rewarded her with restoration and honour (Ruth 1:16-17; 4:13-17).

4. THE CONSEQUENCES OF DISHONOURING PARENTS
The Bible warns against rebellion and disrespect toward parents.

a. Dishonour grieves God.
It is a direct violation of His command.

b. Dishonour destroys family relationships.
Broken respect often leads to broken homes.

c. Dishonour hinders God's blessings.
Disobedience closes doors that honour would open.

d. Dishonour brings painful consequences.
The Bible repeatedly warns against rebellion and contempt for parents.

Biblical Example:
Absalom dishonoured his father, King David, through rebellion, and his life ended tragically (2 Samuel 15–18).

5. HOW BELIEVERS CAN HONOUR THEIR PARENTS TODAY
Honouring parents is a lifelong responsibility.

a. Pray for your parents regularly.

b. Spend quality time with them.

c. Provide for them according to your ability.

d. Forgive past hurts and seek reconciliation where possible.

Biblical Example:
Joseph forgave and cared for his father Jacob during the years of famine, demonstrating love and honour (Genesis 46–47).

CONCLUSION
Honouring parents is not merely a cultural expectation but a divine principle established by God. Whether our parents are wealthy or poor, educated or uneducated, honour remains our biblical responsibility. As believers, we honour them because we honour God.

If your parents are still alive, make a renewed commitment to love, respect, appreciate, and care for them. If they have passed on, honour their godly legacy by living a life that glorifies Christ. As you obey this command, may God's promise of well-being, favour, and long life become evident in your life.

PRAYER POINTS

1. Father, give me a heart that honours and obeys my parents at all times, in Jesus' name.

2. Lord, forgive me for every act of dishonour or disobedience towards my parents, in Jesus' name.

3. Father, let Your promise of long life and well-being be fulfilled in my life, in Jesus' name.

4. Lord, bless my parents with divine health, strength, and peace, in Jesus' name.

5. Father, restore every broken relationship between children and parents, in Jesus' name.

6. Lord, help me to appreciate every sacrifice my parents have made for me, in Jesus' name.

7. Father, make my family an example of love, honour, and unity, in Jesus' name.

8. Lord, remove every spirit of rebellion and stubbornness from the lives of our children, in Jesus' name.

9. Father, let future generations in my family walk in obedience to Your Word, in Jesus' name.

10. Lord, may my life continually attract Your blessings because I choose to honour You by honouring my parents, in Jesus' name.