Every day, a mother looks on while her children eat their dinner. “Why doesn’t Mother eat with us?” Her children wonder. “Perhaps Mother is not hungry.” Years later after the children have all grown up, they understood the reason. Mother wanted the children to eat all they could and she would finish up whatever was left over. They also recalled that many a time, there was very little food left behind. Mother had left the best for her children.

That is how much and more our fathers and mothers love us. They have made many sacrifices for us, many of which have been left unnoticed or forgotten by us. It is no wonder that of the 10 commandments that God gave to the nation of Israel, “Honour your father and mother,” (Exodus 20:12) is one of them. This fact tells us that God regards this commandment as very important. How can we honour parents?

Be Patient with Them

As age catches up with them, their movement, hearing or eyesight will also deteriorate. Thus, when we walk with them, be patient. The reason why they are walking very slowly is because they have used up their youthful energy to raise you up to become who you are today – a fine young man or woman.

Talk to Them

I recall an elderly woman. I thought she was very lonely because people did not enjoy talking to her as she was hard of hearing. I cannot imagine how she spent her days—she was surrounded by people yet there was really no one around her because they left her alone—because she was almost deaf. Hence, talk to them. When you were still a child, you father and mother kept you company when you were lonely and comforted you when you were afraid or sad. Now it is your turn to comfort them and keep them company. I believe nothing makes them happier than to have their children whom they love so much chit chatting with them. It may be a conversation about mundane things but they enjoy it.

Tell Them About Jesus

No matter what you give them, whether it is expensive clothes, or the most nutritious food, there will come a day when you cannot give them good things anymore. Their happy moments will come to an end at death. But if Jesus is their personal Saviour, they will receive from God eternal life and heaven. Even if their lives had been one of tears and hardship on earth, these are temporal sufferings for them because in heaven, they can enjoy eternal life, a life of eternal peace and joy. There will be no more death, sickness and sin. Hence, if you give them Jesus, you have given them the best things—eternal life and heaven.

Therefore, I urge you — work hard to bring your parents to Christ. Love them, care for them in practical ways. Not only is this your duty as children, but by so doing, you will be a good testimony of Christ’s love. Pray for them and be courageous — tell them the good news of Jesus. May you be a joy and blessing to your parents who have loved you sacrificially. Thank you, dear parents. Blessed Father’s and Mother’s Day.