Most of us were raised with the fifth commandment deeply ingrained into our minds’ database. Honor your parents. Respect your elders. There is no question that this commandment was among the most repeated. As children, it was pretty simple: we obeyed; we obeyed right awayâ€"and preferably with a good attitude. As we grew older and left home, we were no longer required to obey, but still to honor them. We still respect our elders and should still express our love and appreciation. We can do that in a practical manner, whether it be by a call or text to check in on our parents, lending aid when they need it, and caring for them if they need to be cared for. There is no age limit for honoring the people who raised us. In doing so, we are honoring God as well.

If we are walking with the Lord or seeking Him today, then we probably had parents or guardians who sought after our spiritual well-being as well as our physical. The Bible has rules for both parents and children alike. Parents are instructed to “Train up a child in the way he should go, so that when he is grown, he will not depart from it� (Prov. 22:6), and children are instructed to “…. obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right� (Ephesians 6:1). As parents, it is our job to love our children and instruct them in the right way. As children our job is to take that love and instruction and turn it into honor and respect for our parents. It is commanded of us by God!

For some who had a difficult upbringing, honoring our parents may have beenâ€"and continues to beâ€"a struggle. But God is a God of grace and forgiveness and desires for his children to be at peace. Ask the Lord to help you find both, and in doing so, be able to honor the parents who have been undeserving. You will be able to step forward as the person God has called you to be. When we honor God first, we are keeping the commandments and therefore ensuring ourselves a blessed life!

Suggested Prayer: Dear Lord, I have not shown my parents the honor you have commanded me to show them. Regardless of whether I believe they are deserving of that honor; you have commanded it of me. I ask that you fill me with your love and grace, and forgiveness if necessary, so that I might be able to make a conscious decision to honor my parents as is your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

1.    Exodus 20:12.

Today’s Encounter was written by: Veronica B.