Honouring Parents in Word and Deed

Honor is more than polite words or a Mother’s Day card—it’s a posture of heart that expresses itself in action. In Exodus 20:12, one of the Ten Commandments, God calls us to honor our father and mother. This command wasn’t just for children, but for people of all ages. Honoring parents is a lifelong call that brings blessing. In the story of Joseph, though he rose to power in Egypt, he never stopped honoring his father, Jacob. When he revealed himself to his brothers, one of his first concerns was bringing his father safely to Egypt (Genesis 45). Later, he mourned deeply when Jacob died, showing emotional and public reverence (Genesis 50:1–3). Joseph didn’t just speak kindly—he acted with love, respect, and responsibility. Today, honoring parents may look like speaking respectfully, listening to their wisdom, helping meet their needs, or forgiving their faults. It can also mean teaching our children to speak well of their grandparents and maintain a legacy of reverence in the family.