Family relationships: Part 3
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Searching the Scriptures
David A. Bass, Rockford Church of Christ
We have seen in our last two columns some of the needs of children. Today, I would like to focus on a
few of the needs of parents.
First of all, parents need their children’s love! This usually isn’t a problem in the early years when
children show affection openly with hugs, kisses and special hand-made gifts, etc. But as children grow older, many believe that it is juvenile or “sissy” to show affection or just to say “I love you!” Parents need to know that their children love them. We express our love through our words and also by our actions. We show our parents how much we love them by showing them the proper respect and obedience. Children, your parents need your love.
Parents also need communication from their children. One of the reasons for the “generation gap” is a
failure to talk. Young people, your parents were young once and they experienced the same emotions, difficulties, temptations, and problems that you are facing. Talk with them about your problems. Ask their advice and then give it a chance.
Parents, listen to your children. Don’t laugh when they make statements that are foolish and immature. Let your children know that you take them and their problems seriously. Children, listen to your parents and keep the lines of communication open.
Honor and respect are also needed by parents. Young people, you wouldn’t be here if it were not for
your parents! Show them the proper honor and respect that they deserve. The Bible says, “Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honor they father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise; That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth” (Ephesians 6:1-3).
It is not respectful to speak of parents using slang language such as “my old man” or “my old lady.” Let’s show the proper respect by saying “yes, sir” or “no, sir.” Parents, let’s live in such a way that our children will be proud to show us honor and respect. Let’s treat them as they should be treated.
Parents also need obedience from their children. Young people, we cannot please God unless we begin
by obeying our parents. The only exception is if our parents tell us to do something that is in violation of God’s law – God’s law must come first. Jesus obeyed Joseph and Mary (Luke 2:51).
Solomon wrote, “My son, keep thy father’s commandment, and forsake not the law of thy mother” (Proverbs 6:20).
The apostle Paul wrote, “Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:20).
Young people, you need to understand that your parents have lived a lot longer than you have and they have learned a great deal through age and experience. You may not always understand, but one day you will. Parents make many sacrifices for their children, and you can show your love and appreciation through your obedience.
The wise man wrote in Proverbs 17:25, “A foolish son is a grief to his father and bitterness to her that bare him.”
Don’t cause your parents grief! One of the worst things that a child can do is rebel against their parents and break their hearts. Under the Old Testament law, disobedient children were put to death (Exodus 21:17), but now children must simply live with their consciences until the day of judgment when God will punish (2 Corinthians 5:10). Obey your parents; you will never regret it!
Young people, take care of your parents as they grow older! Our parents cared for us when we could not care for ourselves, and we must help them. The Bible says, “But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith and is worse than an infidel” (1 Timothy 5:8). We must never get too busy to take care of our parents and give them the time and attention that they need and deserve.
Let’s work diligently to have the kind of family that God wants us to have! Search the Scriptures.
Visit with us at the Rockford Church of Christ. We are located just below Dollar General on U.S. Highway 231.
Bible study is at 9 a.m. and worship at 10:00 each Sunday. Bring your Bible!
