31/08/2026
PARENTS, THE BIBLE ALSO TELLS US HOW TO BEHAVE.
The Bible tells children to honour and obey their parents.
But it doesn’t stop there. It also says:
“Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger…” — Ephesians 6:4
And Colossians 3:21 warns parents not to embitter their children, “or they will become discouraged.”
I think culturally, we sometimes focus so much on the parent getting their way that we forget to ask whether we are getting the relationship right.
“Because I said so.”
“I am your mother.”
“I am your father.”
“You don’t question adults.”
“As long as you live under my roof…”
Authority becomes the goal.
But what if you win every argument and slowly lose your child?
Parenting isn't about creating children who are too frightened to disagree with you. It is about raising children who respect you, can communicate with you and know that even when you correct them, they are safe with you.
Yes, children need boundaries.
Yes, they need discipline.
Yes, sometimes the answer is simply NO. 😂
But parents also need self-control.
We need to know when to listen.
When to apologise.
When we have been too harsh.
When our expectations are unreasonable.
When something is tradition rather than biblical principle.
And when our child isn't being disrespectful — they simply have a different opinion.
Honour is not demanded only from the child. There is a responsibility on both sides of the relationship.
Your child can obey you and still be hurting because of you.
And perhaps one of the greatest signs of successful parenting isn't raising a child who always did what you said.
It's raising an adult who, when they finally have the freedom to choose whether or not to have a relationship with you…still chooses you.
Rise. Advance. Become.
