Honoring In The Face Of Disrespect

Honoring in the Face of Disrespect

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:31-32

HONORING PARENTS after we are married implies that we will speak kindly to them. When the apostle Paul was writing to Timothy, who was a very young pastor at the time, he admonished, “Never speak harshly to an older man, but appeal to him respectfully as you would to your own father” (1 Timothy 5:1). We are to be understanding and sympathetic. Certainly we are to speak the truth, but it must always be in love (see Ephesians 4:15). Often, the way we say something is just as important as what we say.

The command of Ephesians 4:31-32, as shown above, must be taken seriously in our relationships with parents and in-laws. We are to avoid harsh words and out-of-control anger but instead treat each other kindly, with forgiveness.

There is no place for yelling and screaming at our parents or in-laws. The law of kindness must prevail, even if they are not following it themselves. If they are out of control, that is the time for us to keep our cool and listen. We don’t have to be doormats, but the Bible makes it clear that we must be responsible for the way we speak to others. That includes our spouse—and also our parents.

Father, you have called us to honor our parents no matter what the circumstances. Please give me the self-control and grace to speak respectfully to my parents and in-laws at all times.

Parents