By Steve Greene

We have been thinking about ways that we, as adults, can affirm and encourage our parents.

Proverbs 3:27 challenges us not to withhold good from those who deserve it when it is in your power to act. When it comes to our parents, make a decision now to do the right thing while there is still time to do it.

Affirm your parents by staying connected. All of the flowers in the world at their funeral won’t do them one bit of good. Look for some meaningful ways to “give them flowers” while they’re still alive, not after they’re gone.

The Bible says the way we treat our family is a tangible demonstration of our faith.

First Timothy 5:8 says, “If anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for his immediate family, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.”

It is a shameful tragedy whenever a family disregards its aging members.

Part of being a Christian is to care for the members of our families. That could mean all kinds of different things. It may mean changing the oil in their car when they need it. It may mean inviting them to your home. It may mean providing specific care for them when they are unable to care for themselves. There are lots of ways to care for our families.

Here is what Paul wrote to Timothy about honoring parents: “But if a widow has children or grandchildren, these should learn first of all to put their religion into practice by caring for their own family and so repaying their parents and grandparents, for this is pleasing to God.” (1 Timothy 5:4)

When Jesus Christ hung on the cross, dying for the sin of the world, he made sure to make provision for his aging mother. He wanted to be sure she would be cared for after he was gone. One of the last things he did was tell John to “take care of my mother.”

The Bible tells us plainly to honor our father and mother. That is the fifth commandment. Admittedly, that is sometimes easier said than done. But please don’t sidestep this important command. Honor the position, if not the personality.

And for those of you who were abandoned by one or maybe both of your parents, please know God assumes responsibility for abandoned children.

Psalm 27:10 says, “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.”

You may read Steve Greene’s blog at pastorgreene.wordpress.com or you can email him at [email protected].