2001-04-22 - Passages about Parent-Child Relationships

Sadly, sometimes the Bible is misinterpreted, to promote the abuse of children. But as many of you will remember me saying previously, some of Jesus' harshest words were for those who would hurt or hinder young people. Today we will see God's intention for parent-child relationships.

Ephesians 6:1 (NASB) Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right.

Proverbs 6:20-21 (NASB) My son, observe the commandment of your father And do not forsake the teaching of your mother; Bind them continually on your heart; Tie them around your neck.

1 Timothy 5:3-4 (NASB) Honor widows who are widows indeed; but if any widow has children or grandchildren, they must first learn to practice piety in regard to their own family and to make some return to their parents; for this is acceptable in the sight of God.

Ephesians 6:4 (NASB) Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.

Colossians 4:21 (NASB) Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.

Proverbs 13:24 (NIV) He who spares the rod* hates his son, but he who loves him is careful to discipline him.

*Please note: This is probably one of the most misunderstood and misinterpreted verses in the Bible. The word "rod" here is mish'eneth, which is a shepherd's rod used for guidance, care and discipline of the sheep, but not to abuse them or crush their spirits. Please see Col. 4:21 in regard to the latter.

Deuteronomy 11:18-19 (NASB) You shall therefore impress these words of mine on your heart and on your soul; and you shall bind them as a sign on your hand, and they shall be as frontals on your forehead. You shall teach them to your sons, talking of them when you sit in your house and when you walk along the road and when you lie down and when you rise up.

Jan

 jan@cfdevotionals.org
http://www.cfdevotionals.org