The fifth commandment reminds us how our love for God should make a great difference in our family life. Honouring parents: while still a child at home means mainly obeying parents with a right attitude. It is important to train our children the importance of the attitude with which they act. In training children we’re seek to not just mould behaviour but to shepherd their hearts.

When children become adults and particularly when they get married, there is a new relationship with parents who they have left (Genesis 2 v24). Problems arise when married children or their parents fail to realise they are no longer under their authority.

Honouring parents in adulthood moves from obedience to showing respect and care for our parents. Paul teaches that if someone does not care for the needs of their family they have denied the faith (1 Tim. 5 v8). A Christian who does not care for their parents is a contradiction. Sadly though, there are times when the care of parents, is left by even professing Christians to other family members.

Pray about the way you treat family members. Often those closest to us and those who have done most for us are those we treat with the least kindness.