Monthly Messages from Sally Weiesnbach, Ark Founder & Director of Operations
Our trek through following Jesus’ simple commandment to love each other as He loves us shows us how that fulfills all ten Old Testament commandments. This month, we are on the fifth commandment, Exodus 20:12: “Honor your father and your mother: that your days may be long upon the land which the Lord your God will give you.” How is obeying this commandment part of obeying Jesus’ commandment to love others as He loves us?
Obviously, our parents are part of the “others” Jesus said to love. But all people are not good. Admittedly, not everyone has kindly, godly parents. Still, honoring the parents we get is the way to demonstrate that we love them just like Jesus loved saints and sinners alike. Honoring includes respect, obedience, and treating them with kindness. Showing honor to our parents helps strengthen family bonds, and it teaches us about the importance of respecting our elders and those in authority over us. In God’s hands, it might also show a parent who acts poorly how love is really done. Showing honor also helps us demonstrate love and respect to other authorities, and teaches us to value everyone in our lives, regardless of their age.
Honoring our parents truly reflects our love for God and others. Loving, obeying, and respecting parents shows God that we value and appreciate His gifts in our lives. The Bible also provides us with guidance on how to honor our parents through verses such as Proverbs 1:8 (heed their wise advice), Proverbs 23:22 (listen to them and do not despise them), and Ephesians 6:1 (obey them because it is right).
Take note: Unlike other commandments, this one includes a promise – that our days will be long in the land He provides us. Additionally, although we may not understand now, nor always agree with our parents and the authorities, when we honor them, we learn to serve others, just as Jesus served those around Him. (Of course, you don’t have to obey being pushed into criminal or hate activities. Those violate all of God’s commandments. Your main goal is honoring your parents in order to obey God, your Creator.)
To love others as Jesus loves us, we must learn to be compassionate, nonjudgmental, and caring. Honoring our parents is an ideal way to do that. By following this fifth commandment, we can learn to be more loving and compassionate towards everyone in our lives. That helps us to obey Jesus’ commandment to love others as He loves us as well as to love and honor God Himself.
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