Life HacksSample

Relating to Parents

Relationships with parents can be messy. Whoever has been a parental figure in your life has made some impact on you, whether it has been positive or negative. We all have relationships with parents or guardians that can be hard sometimes. As we grow up, we start to grow away from the dependence we once had on our parents. When we’re born, we need them for everything, but once we graduate and move on, we don’t need our parents to keep us alive. However, even though we don’t need our parents for food, shelter, or clothes, we still have a relationship with them. Figuring out what that relationship should look like isn’t easy, but thankfully God gives us insight on how we should treat our parents, no matter our age. 

In Ephesians 6:2-3, it says, “Honor your father and mother. This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” We aren’t guaranteed to live 150 years if we respect our parents, but we will have a happier, more fulfilling life if we honor them through our actions and words. 

“Honoring” our parents can look like a lot of things. Right now, it might be showing up before curfew, helping to clean up the house, or chipping in for dinner sometime. As we become adults, it might be different — coming home to spend time with our parents, giving them a call every week, or texting them to remind them that you care. That might be harder some times than others, especially as we try to become more independent; however, the Bible is clear that we have to do our best to honor our parents by respecting them throughout our lives. What’s one way you can show respect to your parents today?

Challenge: Look at your relationship with your parents or guardians. Is there a place that you’re withholding respect? Think of a way to respect and honor your parents today, and take that step towards deepening your relationship with them.