Drop Fifty-Two

Ephesians 6:2-3

“HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER (which is the first commandment with a promise), SO THAT IT MAY BE WELL WITH YOU, AND THAT YOU MAY LIVE LONG ON THE EARTH” (NASB1995).

During a recent conversation this question was posed: “If Jesus is so important, how is it that those who are not Christians have better marriages and families than many Christians?” It is a legitimate question. After listening to an abbreviated version of the person’s upbringing, I asked if the source of the parents’ behavior was known. Credit was then given to their parents. When asked if this person was willing to forgive them, the response was, “Never”.

To honor our parents, forgiveness is necessary. Forgiveness destroys the root of bitterness and allows our hearts to heal. The past cannot be changed. Our response to it can. Recognizing that our parents were once children and are fellow human beings helps in breaking down walls of resentment. Even if we must set up boundaries to protect ourselves from future harm, forgiveness allows us to honor their position as parents.

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for giving us the Bible to teach us how best to live. Help us to see our wounds from Your perspective and forgive those that inflicted them. May we extend grace to others just as You have extended grace to us. Thank You for the indwelling of the Holy Spirit to make all things possible.

In Jesus’ name we pray,

AMEN