FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021

 FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 2021 LOVE WINS

On Friday, I generally take a spiritual look at things.  Today, let’s look at parenting in God’s eyes.

First, from the Ten Commandments:

Exodus 20:12 

“Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.”

Deuteronomy 5:16 

“‘Honor your father and your mother, as the Lord your God commanded you, that your days may be long, and that it may go well with you in the land that the Lord your God is giving you.

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Proverbs 23:22 

Listen to your father who gave you life, and do not despise your mother when she is old.

1 Timothy 5:8

But if anyone does not provide for his relatives, and especially for members of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever.

1 Timothy 5:4 

But if a widow has children or grandchildren, let them first learn to show godliness to their own household and to make some return to their parents, for this is pleasing in the sight of God.

Mark 7:10-13 

For Moses said, ‘Honor your father and your mother’; and, ‘Whoever reviles father or mother must surely die.’ But you say, ‘If a man tells his father or his mother, “Whatever you would have gained from me is Corban”’ (that is, given to God)— then you no longer permit him to do anything for his father or mother, thus making void the word of God by your tradition that you have handed down. And many such things you do.”

Proverbs 20:20 

If one curses his father or his mother, his lamp will be put out in utter darkness.

Leviticus 20:9 

For anyone who curses his father or his mother shall surely be put to death; he has cursed his father or his mother; his blood is upon him.

1 Timothy 5:1

Do not rebuke an older man but encourage him as you would a father, younger men as brothers,

Leviticus 19:32 

“You shall stand up before the gray head and honor the face of an old man, and you shall fear your God: I am the Lord.

Proverbs 23:25 

Let your father and mother be glad; let her who bore you rejoice.

Ephesians 6:1-3 

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.”

Ruth 4:15 

He shall be to you a restorer of life and a nourisher of your old age, for your daughter-in-law who loves you, who is more to you than seven sons, has given birth to him.”

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SUMMARY

Okay, so honor your father and mother come through loud and clear. From the book of Sirach chapter 3 (most of the chapter is devoted to parents)

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My child, look after your father when he is old; do nothing to cause him grief as long as he lives.  Even if his mind fails, be sympathetic toward him; do not despise him simply because you yourself are healthy and strong.

(Hmmm - even if his mind fails - so if your father or mother has dementia, still love them.  )

If you forsake your father, you are no better than one who blasphemes, and if you anger your mother, you will be accursed by the Lord.

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We all know of bad fathers - who abused their children (and mothers as well).  I sense the concept is to LOVE them anyway.  Their genetics are you!!!  Don’t abandon them - “Look after your father when he is old, do nothing to cause him grief”.

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LOVE WINS - and in particular, love your parents, honor them, treat them with respect - whether they have earned your respect or not.  LOVE is an attitude.  Loving a senior parent in a care facility means visiting, and having them in your life!!!

Karen