When children are young, God expects parents to provide for them (2 Corinthians 12:14). But, according to Stott, “when parents grow old and feeble, it is then that roles and responsibilities are reversed.” Hughes says, “Christian sons and daughters are responsible for the [financial] care of widows and, as the text expands it, of their helpless parents and grandparents.”
William Barclay says, “The raising of children requires tremendous sacrifice, and it is only right that children make sacrifices for parents in return.” Also consider Mark 7:9-13 and Jesus’ harsh rebuke of the Pharisees for refusing to care for their parents.
Perhaps no form of honor more deeply cuts against the Western grain than this one. But it’s clear: The Bible calls Christians to take special responsibility for providing for family members. This command applies equally to the parents of young children and the children of elderly parents.
How Can I Honor My Parents: Closing Thoughts
God calls children of every age to show honor to our parents, to refuse to dishonor our parents. He calls us to honor them as the outflow of honoring him. God calls us to be people who respect his sovereignty by respecting the parents he saw fit to give us.
In what ways is God calling you to show honor to your parents?
