Eph 6:4

Ephesians 6:4
Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.

A parent's first and primary ministry is their family. Ephesians chapters 4 and 5 are not just applicable to church leadership but also to raising children. Parents play a significant role in a child's discipleship and faith journey.

To “exasperate” means to “stir to anger”. It’s not about the normal and expected moments of disagreement, but pushing beyond what is reasonable. Another definition is to “rub salt in their wounds”. Paul wrote something similar in Colossians:

Colossians 3:21
Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

The focus is not to get them to obey, but for them to mature. Like pastors lead the church, parents ought to equip their children for life and ministry by “speaking the truth in love” (Eph 4:15).

In this modern age, much of parenting focuses on being a child's friend, which is a bonus and hopefully an outcome all parents experience. However, it is essential to remember that you are a parent first. Do not lose their respect by compromising the truth.

Hebrews 12:9
Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live?