CHILDREN AND PARENTS

Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged. – Colossians 3:20&21

REFERENCE
Colossians 3:18-4:1

Just like wives to husbands, children are supposed to submit to their parents; that is the first commandment with a promise, and they are doing it unto God. A child’s Christianity starts from how he/she honors and obeys his/her parents, as an act of submission to God’s order in the family.

Children, who find it difficult to submit to and obey their parents, will find it difficult to have a healthy relationship with God. They will most likely rebel against all authority figures in their lives, and will find it challenging to be good wives/husbands down the road. Your Christianity is being tested right now by how you relate with your parents or whoever occupies the position of a parent in your life. Do you run errands for them ungrudgingly? Do you honor them in the way you talk to them and refer to them?

If you have been angry with your father or mother (or parents-in-law), reach out to them today and apologize to them; that is one relationship you don’t ever want strained.

You might say, “Pastor you don’t know what my father/mother did to me.” In response, I will say, “If they knew better they would have done better, and most times, they sincerely want your good.” Because you now know better as a Christian, forgive them. It doesn’t mean the relationship will become automatically cordial, but get started…don’t let a spirit of offence be perpetuated in your lineage.

If you are grown up and are a man/woman of your own, send regular support to your parents, no matter how little.

As parents, do not irritate your children by exacting difficult demands or requirements from them. Neither are you supposed to always find fault with them, call them ‘names’ nor tell them they are not good enough. These can break their spirit. There are some adults who are broken today, because of what their parents said or did to them as children. BE CAREFUL!

Parents, your children are given to you as gifts from God, to help them discover purpose and to train them in the way of the Lord. Therefore, strive to maintain a loving and happy atmosphere at home, to foster the healthy growth of your children.

SCRIPTURE PHOTO

ADDITIONAL STUDY
Ephesians 6:1-4, Isaiah 54:13 & Proverbs 13:22a.

TO DO:

+ Write letters to your parents to appreciate them or to apologize for whatever you may have done wrong.

+ As a parent, reach out to your hurting children and apologize for your wrongs.