Day 18: The Parent-Child Relationship – Part 2

Yesterday, we learned that God holds sons and daughters to the responsibility of honoring their parents. Today, we will look at a passage in the New Testament that instructs the proper relationship between children and parents.

Read Ephesians 6:1-4

In this passage the whole family receives instructions on how to live together. Paul tells children to obey their parents and then quotes Exodus 20:12. In addition, Paul then goes on to speak to parents, fathers in particular. He tells fathers to not “exasperate” their children, but instead to instruct and train them up in the Lord.

Q: What is the difference between obeying and honoring?

Q: Is it possible to honor your parents without obeying them?

Q: Paul says to, “obey your parents in the Lord.” What difference does knowing Jesus make when it comes to obeying your parents?

Q: Has honoring one’s parents changed from one generation to the next?

Q: List the things parents can do to “train and instruct” a child in the Lord.

Today’s Prayer for children: Father God, help me to obey and honor my parents well. Help me to love and treat them with respect no matter what stage of life they may be in.

Today’s Prayer for parents: Heavenly Father, help not to irritate and infuriate my children but rather graciously train and instruct them in the same manner in which you interact with me.