Honor your father and mother through reconciliation

Ephesians 6:2-3--"Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment with promise: “that it may be well with you and you may live long on the earth.”

     What a travesty to see so much separation and heartache between parents and children, especially amongst those who call themselves believers.  It saddens me to hear the stories of children that hate their mother, or fathers that have disowned their child.  Satan has created division where there was to be unity, discord where harmony was to be found.  How can such barriers be overcome?  How can the things that are broken be put back together again?

     God's Word.  Malachi 4:6a says, "And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers..."  When the angel Gabriel came to Zacharias in Luke 1 he told him that he was to have a son and that his son would go before Jesus and, "turn the hearts of the fathers to the children."(vs. 17)  How would this occur?  When an individual accepted the teachings of John the Baptist, unity would result.  We must understand that true unity cannot come through psychology or psychiatry, but through the understanding and accepting of the teachings of God's Word.  When one truly understands the grace and mercy that has been bestowed upon them by God, it becomes possible for them to reciprocate that grace and mercy to others.  Without such and understanding bitterness and barriers will persist.

     Reconciliation.  II Corinthians 5:18-19 says, "Now all things are of God, who has reconciled us to Himself through Jesus Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation, that is, that God was in Christ reconciling the world to Himself, not imputing their trespasses to them, and has committed to us the word of reconciliation."  As a believer there is not exception for bitterness and barriers, they are commanded to come down.  As much as depends upon us, we are to live peaceably with all men.(Romans 12:18)  That includes believers and unbelievers.  Christ has given each of us an identical ministry: reconciliation.  I understand, you have been wronged, maybe very seriously, but remember Christ tells us that those who have been forgiven much, love much. (Luke 7:47)  Remember your sin and trespasses that have been wiped away and do not fall into the trap of asking for mercy, while not giving it to others.  Jesus said, "if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." (Matthew 6:15)

     Pray.  Philippians 4:6 says, "Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God."  If you are on the end desiring reconciliation, with no willing participant, do not give in or give up the idea of unity.  Let your requests be made known and do not lose heart.  I have heard some amazing stories at how God has softened the hardened heart and made a bridge where there seemed to be an impassable chasm.  We serve the God that deals in the impractical and promises that with Him, nothing is impossible. (Luke 1:37)

     To close, let us be diligent to pursue peace with all men, especially those within your home.  Children, honor your father and mother.  Love them unconditionally.  In so doing, you will be displaying the same love that Christ has shown to you.