Honouring Your Father and Mother

2"Honor your father and mother"—which is the first commandment with a promise— 3"that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."[a]
Ephesians 6:2-3

Other verses : Exodus 20:12, Deuteronomy 4:1, 40, Hebrews 5:1-6, Mark 7:6-13, Matthew 15:1-9. Isaiah 29:13, 1 Timothy 5:3-8, 16

Last night at our cell meeting, Brother Malcom led us through the subject of honouring our father and mother. This is an important command of God written in the Bibles, and also a reminder to the present younger generations.

Four groups were formed to discuss about how we honour and dishonour our parents. Later we discussed about what we shared in each group.

From the heart – we said honouring our parents must be from the heart, things we really want to do for our parents and not as our duties.

With respect – we honour with respect for they being our parents because it was because of them that we are around now. Brother Jong shared that “h” in word “honour” is silent, so it is about the heart.

Getting them involved – even though our parents may be old, get them to join in decisions that relates to the family to let them know they are part of the family. Decisions can be simple ones.

Emotional needs- be aware of their emotional needs, and not only physical needs. They are our parents treat them accordingly.

Spiritual needs – foe example, they may have pains and aches, we have to pray for them and with them.

As discussed during the meeting there are many challenges in looking after elderly parents especially when they are physically disabled, like suffering from dementia. Physically we may not be able to cope, but we have to pray to God to help us in helping our parents. Brother Malcom shared how Pastor Ben Wong took care of his elder mother by talking to her daily although she could not recognise him at times.