Table of Duties
Q70. What does Scripture teach parents and children?
Parents, do not make your children so angry that they give up. Instead, raise them to know and follow the Lord. Children, obey your parents, for this is right. "Honor your father and mother" — this is the first commandment with a promise — "so that it may go well with you and you may have a long life on earth."
Scripture Proofs — King James Version
Ephesians 6:4
Ephesians 6:1–3
“Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right. Honour thy father and mother; (which is the first commandment with promise;) That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth.”
Colossians 3:20–21
Parent Guide
Discuss this question together
Discussion Questions
- 1
What command does God give to parents, and what command does he give to children?
- 2
Why is "Honor your father and mother" called "the first commandment with a promise"?
- 3
What does honoring your parents look like when you disagree with them?
Illustration
A young tree is staked to a post so it grows straight. The stake does not hurt the tree. It helps it. Parents raise children to know and follow the Lord, which sometimes means correction and discipline. Children who obey and honor their parents are like that tree growing straight and strong.
Application
Pick one thing your parents have asked you to do this week and do it without complaining or being reminded. Obedience is your vocation right now. God serves your parents through your willingness, and he serves you through their care.