Honor Your Parents: Challenges - Living Free - December 10
Honor Your Parents: Challenges
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Scripture
"Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love." Ephesians 4:2 NLT
Thought for the Day
As parents become less quick-witted, slower in pace, stubborn or super independent, it is natural for their caregiver to experience frustration and impatience. Have you been there?
Perhaps you are going through this type of frustration daily. When they are acting like children. When they are demanding. When they are confused or ask the same question over and over and over. When they criticize everything you do.
Consider This ...
So how should you respond? Should you just grit your teeth and bear it?
As today's scripture instructs ... be patient and make allowance for their faults. Ask God to help you respond to the frustration with love and forgiveness.
However, although you should always honor them as your parents, treating them with love and respect, you may also need to establish healthy boundaries. Honoring them does not mean allowing them to manipulate you. If they tend to take advantage of you, learn to stand your ground. Don't express anger or say unkind things, but be firm. Ask God to help you gain perspective.
Father, I get so frustrated at times. Help me be more patient and loving. And please give me discernment to know when my parents are trying to manipulate me. Help me to respond with strength - and respect. In Jesus' name …
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©Living Free 2020. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to info@LivingFree.org
