3 Ways to Love Your Parents

by Brandon Jubar

It's an unfortunate fact that not everyone gets along with their parents. Perhaps it's because they brought us into the world. Or maybe it's because they are the ones who so often challenge us. Whatever the case, it seems far too easy for many people to argue with, get mad at, or simply ignore their parents. But as I've gotten older, I've begun to realize that my parents aren't going to be around forever... and life is too short for pettiness when loved ones are involved.

If you're with me on this one, then I challenge you to love your parents -- regardless of what they do (or don't do). And if you can't come up with any ideas on your own, read on and you'll discover three simple ways to love your parents.

Respect Your Parents

As we all know, one of the commandments that the Lord gave Moses was, "Honor your father and your mother, as long as they deserve it. But if they're cruel or uncaring then you should detest them and dishonor them."

Well... not really. But isn't that the way most people seem to remember it? They act as if God had put qualifiers on the commandment that gave them a legitimate way out. What they don't realize is that God did qualify the command; but it went more like this:

"Honor your father and your mother, that you may have a long life in the land which the LORD, your God, is giving you." (Exodus 20:12)

To love your parents, you need to show them the respect that God says they deserve. It's not our place to judge our parents; our role is to honor them. By doing so, we are also showing love and respect to our Heavenly Father.

Communicate with Your Parents

Another way to love your parents is to communicate with them. One good thing about communication is that there are many, many ways to do it. Too often, though, people only think about "talking" whenever we mention the term "communication". But where loved ones are concerned -- especially our parents -- verbal communication is not the only effective way to do it.

Giving your parents a call or, in the event that you live with them, making time to sit and chat, is certainly welcomed by many parents. But why not send an occasional card or letter (other than for birthdays and holidays)? Or how about an email and digital photos?

You can also communicate through your actions. For instance, make sure you hug your parents when you see them. Hold your mother's hand when you're listening to her. Put your arm around your dad's shoulders if you're standing next to him. These sort of non-verbal messages speak volumes to your parents.

Pray for Your Parents

A third way to love your parents is to pray for them. Regardless of whether your parents are good or not-so-good, there is no reason that you can't pray for them. In addition to the fact that they brought you into this world, they are human beings, created in the image and likeness of God.

If your parents provided a loving and caring home, then say prayers of thanksgiving for them. If they were not always supportive and created a dysfunctional home, then say prayers of petition, asking God to help them and touch their lives. No matter what your individual situation, praying for parents is something that every one of us should do.

Respecting our parents and communicating with them are all outward signs of our love for them, but don't think of prayer as a strictly internal thing. When we pray for our parents, it keeps them in our thoughts and in our hearts. And when we are thinking about them frequently, it makes the first two things -- respecting and communicating -- much easier to accomplish.

So go ahead. Don't wait until it's too late. Show your parents some respect, communicate your love for them in a variety of ways, and keep them in your prayers always. Those are just three simple ways that you can love your parents.

Life Applications:

How do you show respect to your parents?
How do you communicate with your parents?
How do you pray for your parents?

Copyright 2005 by Brandon Jubar
All rights reserved.