In the biblical context, the duty of parents to pity their children is deeply rooted in the understanding of compassion, mercy, and nurturing care. The concept of pity, as it relates to parenting, involves a profound sense of empathy and a commitment to the well-being of one's children, reflecting the divine compassion that God shows to His people.

Biblical Foundation

The Bible provides numerous examples and teachings that highlight the importance of parents showing pity and compassion towards their children. This duty is not merely an emotional response but a moral and spiritual obligation that aligns with God's character.

1. Psalm 103:13 : "As a father has compassion on his children, so the LORD has compassion on those who fear Him." This verse draws a direct parallel between the compassion of a father and the compassion of God, suggesting that parental pity is a reflection of divine love and mercy.

2. Proverbs 14:26 : "He who fears the LORD is secure in confidence, and his children shall have a place of refuge." Here, the security and refuge provided by a God-fearing parent can be seen as an expression of pity, offering protection and care that stems from a deep sense of responsibility and love.

3. Isaiah 49:15 : "Can a woman forget her nursing child, or lack compassion for the son of her womb? Even if she could forget, I will not forget you!" This passage emphasizes the natural compassion a mother has for her child, which serves as an analogy for God's unwavering compassion for His people.

Practical Implications

The duty to pity one's children involves several practical aspects that parents are encouraged to embody:

· Nurturing and Care: Parents are called to provide for the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of their children. This includes ensuring their safety, health, and development in a loving and supportive environment.

· Understanding and Patience: Pity involves understanding the weaknesses and struggles of children, showing patience and forgiveness as they grow and learn. Ephesians 6:4 advises, "Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath; instead, bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord."

· Guidance and Instruction: Compassionate parenting includes guiding children in the ways of righteousness and truth. Proverbs 22:6 states, "Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it." This training is to be done with a heart of compassion, understanding the unique path and potential of each child.

· Discipline with Love: While discipline is a necessary aspect of parenting, it must be administered with love and compassion. Hebrews 12:7-9 explains that God disciplines those He loves, and earthly parents are to follow this example, ensuring that discipline is constructive and not harsh or punitive.

Theological Reflection

The duty of parents to pity their children is a reflection of the broader biblical theme of God's compassion for humanity. Just as God shows mercy and grace to His children, earthly parents are called to mirror this divine attribute in their relationships with their own children. This duty is not only a matter of personal responsibility but also a testament to the transformative power of God's love working through family relationships.Psalm 103:13
Like as a father pities his children, so the LORD pities them that fear him.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Duty of the People of God to Excite Others to Seek this Rest.
... with this earnest request to all Christian parents that read ... have compassion on the
souls of their poor children ... groan under the neglect of this weighty duty. ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter ix the duty of.htm

The Great Duty of Family Religion
... indeed, give any countenance to children and servants to disregard their parents
and masters according to the flesh, or represent their duty to them ...
/.../whitefield/selected sermons of george whitefield/the great duty of family.htm

Duty and Superstition
... its own sake, and therefore to feel it his Duty. ... I say that we cannot watch our children
without seeing ... them generally, more than in us their parents, a Spirit ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon vii duty and superstition.htm

Infancy.
... how many Christian parents are recreant to this duty! How many destroy their children
by the over-indulgence of a misdirected love and sympathy, and ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter ix infancy.htm

Parental Duties Considered and Urged.
... follow their conduct here, and witnessed their parents' deep concern ... years, were
the means of their awakening and ... hope, to persevere in the discharge of duty. ...
/.../sermon xxii parental duties considered.htm

The Voice of the Lord God
... is natural and necessary from our earthly parents, made in ... of themselves, what their
business and duty were upon ... taught men in the days of their early ignorance ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon iii the voice of.htm

A God in Pain
... diseased people, they were born in sin: either they or their parents had sinned. ...
own will and pleasure for the sake of doing their duty in their calling, as ...
//christianbookshelf.org/kingsley/the good news of god/sermon xxxv a god in.htm

Prov. 22:06 the Duties of Parents
... Parents, I beseech you, for your children's sake, beware of over-indulgence. I call
on you to remember, it is your first duty to consult their real interests ...
/.../the upper room being a few truths for the times/chapter xvi prov 22 6 the.htm

Miscellaneous.
... weary of their parents, and of doing their duty to them. ... Though thy parents be never
so low, and thou ... in virtue their equal, and in genius their superior, John ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxix miscellaneous.htm

Vocation.
... It is their sacred duty and right to advise you; and to whom ... is for this blind and
foolish love that many parents sacrifice their children, either by ...
/.../sainte-foi/serious hours of a young lady/chapter xii vocation.htm

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