Respecting Parents
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Respecting parents is a fundamental principle deeply rooted in biblical teachings, emphasizing the importance of honoring one's father and mother. This concept is not only a moral obligation but also a commandment from God, carrying significant spiritual and social implications.

Biblical Foundation

The command to respect parents is prominently featured in the Ten Commandments, which serve as a cornerstone of biblical law. In Exodus 20:12 , it is written: "Honor your father and your mother, so that your days may be long in the land that the LORD your God is giving you." This commandment is reiterated in Deuteronomy 5:16 , underscoring its enduring importance: "Honor your father and your mother, as the LORD your God has commanded you, so that your days may be long and that it may go well with you in the land the LORD your God is giving you."

New Testament Affirmation

The New Testament reaffirms the command to honor parents, highlighting its continued relevance for Christians. In Ephesians 6:1-3 , the Apostle Paul instructs: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honor your father and mother' (which is the first commandment with a promise), 'that it may go well with you and that you may have a long life on the earth.'" Similarly, Colossians 3:20 states: "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord."

Spiritual and Social Implications

Respecting parents is not merely a personal duty but a societal cornerstone that fosters family unity and stability. The biblical mandate to honor parents is linked with promises of well-being and longevity, suggesting that such respect contributes to a harmonious and prosperous community. The emphasis on obedience and honor reflects a broader biblical theme of submission to authority, which is seen as a reflection of one's relationship with God.

Challenges and Considerations

While the Bible clearly commands respect for parents, it also acknowledges the complexities of familial relationships. In situations where parents may not act in accordance with biblical principles, believers are called to navigate these challenges with wisdom and grace. The overarching principle remains one of love and respect, seeking to uphold the dignity of the family unit while adhering to God's commandments.

Cultural Context

In biblical times, the family was the primary social unit, and respecting parents was integral to maintaining social order. The patriarchal structure of ancient Israelite society placed significant emphasis on the authority of parents, particularly the father, as the head of the household. This cultural context underscores the weight of the commandment to honor one's parents, as it was essential for the preservation of family lineage and inheritance.

Conclusion

The biblical call to respect parents is a timeless principle that transcends cultural and historical contexts. It serves as a foundational element of Christian ethics, promoting familial harmony and reflecting one's commitment to God's ordained order. Through honoring parents, believers demonstrate their reverence for God's commandments and contribute to the strength and stability of their communities.
Topical Bible Verses
Exodus 20:12
Honor your father and your mother: that your days may be long on the land which the LORD your God gives you.
Topicalbible.org

Colossians 3:20
Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing to the Lord.
Topicalbible.org

Ephesians 6:1-4
Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
Topicalbible.org

Library

Why Man is of Two Sexes; what is his First Death, and what the ...
... and What the Second and of the Fault and Punishment of Our First Parents. ... to reckon
among poets or philosophers, for he wrote in verse respecting the nature of ...
/.../lactantius/the divine institutes/chap xiii why man is of.htm

A Farther Quotation from virgilius Maro Respecting Christ, with ...
... Chapter XX."A Farther Quotation from Virgilius Maro respecting Christ, with ... of that
serpent, perishes, who originally beguiled our first parents, and drew ...
/.../pamphilius/the life of constantine/chapter xx a farther quotation from.htm

On the Covenant into which God Entered with Our First Parents
... We are of opinion that, if our first parents had remained in their integrity ... law;
though we dare not specially make a similar affirmation, respecting the tree ...
/.../arminius/the works of james arminius vol 2/disputation xxix on the covenant.htm

Modern Movements in Presbyterian Churches Respecting Public ...
... Respecting the public reading of Holy Scripture the revised Directory declares it
to ... are given, and questions suitable to be asked of the parents of children ...
/.../johnston/presbyterian worship/chapter ix modern movements in.htm

Children of Believers are Called "Clean" by the Apostle.
... because they are "holy,""that would be some sort of a distinction; but as it is,
they equally declare respecting the holy children of holy parents and the ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 41 children of believers are.htm

Special Conference in virginia.
... Respecting the cultivation of the German language, the admonition remarks, in part ...
Their parents, themselves not knowing the language, can hear their children ...
/.../bente/american lutheranism/special conference in virginia.htm

The Sacrifice of the Body and Blood of Christ Will not Avail for ...
... to reaching the kingdom of heaven: what will he have to say to our objections
respecting the thousands of infants who are born of impious parents and never fall ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 13 xi the sacrifice of.htm

The Prophecy of the Perilous Times.
... children, children now rule their parents, and, of course, the parents are to ... to
the modern Suffragette movement which makes every self-respecting woman blush ...
//christianbookshelf.org/pink/the redeemers return/4 the prophecy of the.htm

Luke i. 3, 4
... to which they relate clearly and correctly; and a previous interest respecting it
may ... I mean as individuals,"but from the teaching of our parents first; then ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnold/the christian life/lecture xxxi luke i 3.htm

And in Addition to the Above, this Jew of Celsus Afterwards ...
... and employs other terms of similar import; and when He says respecting His being ...
it was necessary that He should be taken away by His parents, acting under the ...
/.../origen/origen against celsus/chapter lxvi and in addition.htm

Resources
What is the biblical perspective on multiculturalism? | GotQuestions.org

What is the difference between exegesis and eisegesis? | GotQuestions.org

What does the Bible say about tattoos? | GotQuestions.org

Respecting: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Subtopics

Respecting

Respecting Authorities

Respecting Elders

Respecting Others

Respecting Parents

Respecting Those in Leadership

Respecting Women

Respecting Your Elders

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Self-respecting (1 Occurrence)

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Regarding (33 Occurrences)

Respectful (6 Occurrences)

Reign (468 Occurrences)

Ridicule (14 Occurrences)

Relative (33 Occurrences)

Religion (23 Occurrences)

Respective (1 Occurrence)

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Priest (500 Occurrences)

Predestination

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Concerning

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Square (94 Occurrences)

Self-respect (1 Occurrence)

Spirits (129 Occurrences)

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Superstition (1 Occurrence)

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Millennium

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Job (60 Occurrences)

Respecting Others' Consciences
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