The Many "Hats" Men WearSýnishorn

Men Who Honor Parents

This week, we will explore the various roles men play in life—the many “hats” we wear—and how we can fulfill these roles in a way that honors Christ.

Each day, we will delve into how our faith shapes and strengthens our responsibilities in these roles. Not every man might wear every “hat” we explore this week, but all men will certainly wear at least some.

We’ll start with one role that applies to all of us:

Being a son.

Honoring our parents is a commandment that comes with a promise (Ephesians 6:2).

It is an often forgotten but essential aspect of our faith and reflects our respect and gratitude for those who have birthed, nurtured, and guided us to our adult years.

Honoring our parents involves more than just obedience; it is about showing them love, respect, and appreciation in our words and actions.

As sons, we have a unique opportunity to be a blessing to our parents. I remember when I was in my early twenties, my dad and stepmom wanted to take an extended trip to Europe for their anniversary but were worried about leaving their home unattended. I offered to house-sit for them, taking care of their pets, and ensuring everything ran smoothly while they were away.

Knowing they could relax and enjoy their vacation meant a lot to them and gave us all peace of mind.

You can do the same in so many different ways. This can be through simple gestures like spending time with them, helping them with tasks, or expressing gratitude for their sacrifices. Our attitude towards our parents should be one of humility and kindness, recognizing the important role they have played in our lives.

Honoring parents can be very challenging if we've faced neglect, abuse, or deep wounds they might have caused. It doesn’t mean excusing their actions or ignoring the pain. Instead, it’s about setting boundaries, seeking reconciliation when possible, and surrendering bitterness to God. We honor hurtful parents by choosing forgiveness, praying for their transformation, and seeking God’s guidance on handling the relationship. This allows us to honor God while still protecting our own well-being.

Even as adult sons, we honor our parents by caring for them and seeking their wisdom and guidance. This strengthens our relationship with them and sets a positive example for future generations. By showing respect and love to our parents, we reflect the values of our faith and bring glory to God in Christ.

Honoring our parents also means forgiving them for their shortcomings or mistakes. No parent is perfect; extending grace and forgiveness can heal and restore relationships. Through this Christ-like love and forgiveness, men truly honor their parents and rebuild bridges through faith and love.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for my parents. Help me to honor them in all I do. Give me the wisdom to respect and love them, and let my actions reflect Your love. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

Reflection: Consider a recent interaction with your parents. How can you show more honor and respect in your relationship with them?