When you go home today, I would suggest that you take a look at several photographs: photographs taken when you were a little child and a photograph of your parents’ when you were that little child. You will probably notice how small and helpless you were. You will also see how handsome your father was and how pretty your mother was. Then take a look at yourself now and take a look at your parents now: you are now tall, successful, perhaps even handsome or pretty. But look at your mother and father now: their hair is now white and their faces are wrinkled. Perhaps they are also no longer as healthy as they were many years ago. Do you know why? They have not only aged, but they have grown old because they spent the golden years, their most fruitful years of their lives on you that you have become who you now are. They have transferred their lives to you.

Children, Love Your Parents

For that reason, the bible says: “Honour your father and mother” (Eph 6:3; Exo 20:12). How can you not after they have given their lives to you? There are several things that you can do to honour them. First, live your life responsibly that you may bring honour to them. You may not be earning a lot of money but if you exhibit a good Christian character and live a life of high moral standards, your parents would be most proud of you.  Second, I am sure your parents would love your company.  Chit chat with them.  It does not matter if what you talk about are unimportant matters or mundane things in life.  They enjoy being close to you.  Be gentle with them.  You should never be rude to them at any time.  Third, if you parents need you, avail yourself.  If you can take leave to take care of your sick child, you should be willing to take leave to take care of them too.  Then, God promises you that “your days [will] be long in the land” (Eph 6:2; Exo 20:12) that you live in: you will enjoy a long and happy life.  If you refuse to take serious heed to this commandment, you will have a miserable life on earth not only because the Lord does not bless you, but also because by refusing to obey their wise advise, you put your life at risk. 

But the greatest way of honouring and loving them is to help them to accept the Lord Jesus as their personal Lord and Saviour.  There will come a day when they will pass away from the earth.  It is only when Jesus is their Saviour that they can enjoy the love and peace of God now, and then eternal and blessed heaven for all eternity.  This is the greatest gift that you can give them.  What is more, you will meet them in heaven, never again to separate.  For now, you must pray for their salvation every day and love them.  Do not love them just on Parents’ Day, love them every day with your heart.

Parents, Love Your Children

If you love your children, then “bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord” (Eph 6:4)  The most important factor that which will make your children successful in life is not their studies, intelligence or health.  The bible says: “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge” (Prov 1:7).  When they love the Lord Jesus, fear Him and obey Him, they will obtain the wisdom to live victorious lives.  The Lord Himself will take care of them even when you are not able to.  Thank you, father and mother.  Blessed Parents’ Day.