AP

Day 40: Children and parents – part 2

The Bible says much about honouring parents. Violence or harsh words towards parents is wicked (Prov. 19:26). Strong judgment will come to such a son or daughter (Prov. 20:20). Instead, honour and care are commanded for our parents. It pleases God when children and grandchildren return the care of their parent to them (1 Tim. 5:4).

God disciplines those that He loves as a father disciplines his children (Heb. 12:6). Christian parents must surely follow God’s example, as He gives us grace.

Carefully watch the habits of a child. You may see early buds, good or bad, that will later blossom into fruit (Prov. 19:26). If the bud is good, then encourage it, but if it is bad, such as temper, then nip it before it develops any further. Hold a clear view of what is sinful and what is not, and deal with it appropriately.

The proverbs tell us that we are not to leave a child free with no boundaries. Instead, parenting involves training up a child in the right way to live. There are no guarantees in raising children, yet the rod of discipline will help to steer a child away from folly (Prov. 22:15). Right corporal discipline is good for a child.

The task of raising a child is given, principally, to father and mother, and not others. We must seek to walk the path of biblical faithfulness – as God gives us grace – training up a child in His ways. To do that, we aim at the heart, because it is from the heart that behaviour flows. Let them see your love and trust in the Lord. Lead them in family devotions every day. 

He who does violence to his father and chases away his mother is a son who brings shame and reproach.

– Prov. 19:26

Even a child makes himself known by his acts, by whether his conduct is pure and upright.

– Prov. 20:11

If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.

– Prov. 20:20

Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.

– Prov. 22:6

Folly is bound up in the heart of a child, but the rod of discipline drives it far from him.

– Prov. 22:15

Father God, we thank You that You are our eternal and good Father. Family is Your design and despite our brokenness, please let us honour You in our families.

Let us not deflect away our responsibility to care for our parents. Instead let us honour them. Let our words be gentle and never curses towards them.

Let us not deflect away our responsibility to raise our children. Let fathers not be absent or immature, but may they take up the task of raising their children in Your ways, and let mothers find delight in showing their children how to trust and love You.

We pray this in Jesus Name,

Amen.

– Graham Barnes