Day 27 — Parents

“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.’”

— Ephesians 6:1–3 (BSB)

Let’s be honest: this might be the day you were tempted to skip.

The teenage years are when many people clash with their parents the most. You’re growing up, forming your own views and wanting more freedom. Your parents are trying to protect you, sometimes too tightly, sometimes awkwardly, sometimes while dealing with stress you don’t see. Doors get slammed. Phones get confiscated. Both sides say things they regret.

Into that tension, Paul writes two words: obey and honour.

They aren’t quite the same. Obedience is about actions: doing what your parents ask. Honour is about attitude: treating them with respect, recognising their God-given place in your life. As you get older, the details of obedience change. An adult son or daughter doesn’t need permission to go out. But honour never expires.

Notice the phrase “in the Lord.” Paul is not saying parents are perfect, or that they replace God. He’s saying: obey them as part of following Jesus. It’s an act of worship. The rare exception is if a parent tells you to do something clearly wrong. God’s authority is higher, and you should talk to another trusted adult.

Jesus Himself lived this. At twelve years old He had a misunderstanding with His parents in the temple. He was right and they were confused. Yet afterwards “He went down to Nazareth with them and was obedient to them” (Luke 2:51). The Son of God honoured an ordinary carpenter and his young wife.

What does honour look like for you?

• Tone. You can disagree without contempt. Eye-rolling, sarcasm and silent treatment dishonour, even if you technically obey.
• Speaking well of them when they’re not there, instead of joining friends who mock their parents.
• Asking, not demanding. “Can we talk about my curfew?” goes further than a fight.
• Noticing what they give. Many parents work long hours, give up things for you, or carry worries they’d never tell you.

It’s worth saying clearly: every family looks different. Maybe you live with one parent, grandparents, an aunt or uncle, a foster family or older siblings. Maybe a parent has left, or died, or is far away working. God’s command to honour applies to the people He has put in your life to care for you, and He is “a father of the fatherless” (Psalm 68:5) for every gap.

And this matters: if anyone at home hurts you, threatens you or makes you feel unsafe, that is not honour, and it is not your fault. Tell a trusted adult, such as a teacher, a pastor or a relative, right away. Honouring parents never means keeping that kind of secret.

Paul also wrote to parents in the next verse: “Fathers, do not provoke your children to wrath” (Ephesians 6:4). God sees both sides. Your part is the one you can control.

Think about it: What does your tone usually say to your parents or guardians? Is there something you need to apologise for?

Try this: Do one thing today that shows honour without being asked: a job done, a thank-you said, or an apology given.

Go deeper: Susanna Wesley by Eliza Clarke — the story of the mother of nineteen children, including John and Charles Wesley, who made time every week to talk alone with each child about their life and faith. Start with chapter 9, “The Home Rebuilt.”

Father in heaven, thank You for the people You’ve given to care for me. Help me honour them with my words and my tone, even when we disagree. Forgive me for the times I’ve been disrespectful. Where my family is broken, be my Father, and give me wisdom and courage to speak up if I’m ever unsafe. In Jesus’ name, Amen.