This ‘Honour your Mother and Father” commandment was first mentioned in Exodus 20:12 as one of the ten commandments God gave to Moses for the Israelites.

It says ‘honour your father and mother that your days may be long in the land which the Lord your God is giving you’.

This commandment comes with a condition.

“that your days may be long…….”. It means if you do not honour them your days may be shortened.

Colossians 3:20 also tells the young ones to honour their mother and father: for this is well pleasing to the Lord. This is what the Lord requires of us.

In Leviticus 19: 32, we are commanded to ‘rise before grey hair and honor the elderly…… Be submissive, love them, respect them. The Father and Mother here does not only refer to your parents; respect authority and any other person older than you irrespective of their position; whether rich or poor. No matter how annoying or disgusting they may be, the bible says honor them. This is what is expected of you.

Also, let us not compare our parents to others. God knows why you came through them. Do not be ashamed of them because they cannot provide all your needs and wants.

There is blessing in honouring your parents. The bible says it gives you long life. When this is embedded in you, you extend it to those you meet outside; those you consider elderly and they bless you even if they don’t say anything.

The recalcitrant ones die in their prime and people do not understand why. We need to understand that as and when we dishonor parents or others, our lives are shortened according to the bible; and this is very true. I have seen people die young because of such attitudes. You number your days on this earth when you exhibit such attitudinal acts. Unless you repent.

Dishonoring parents releases ill feeling and hate

from parents to you. You need their blessings to live a better life. If they bless you, God will bless you; if they curse you, you will be cursed.