Honour, Starting at Home

Just yesterday, I caught myself thinking: “Jane… you don’t have a post for your blog tomorrow.” And almost immediately, I heard: “Write about honour.”

And then just as quickly, my attention shifted: Start with your parents.

A Simple Instruction

Scripture says: “Honour your father and your mother…” — Exodus 20:12

And it’s the only commandment that comes with a promise.

Simple. But not always easy.

It’s Subtle

One thing that came to me is how easy it is to dishonour our parents without even realising it. Not in loud or obvious ways. But in the small things.

The tone.
The thoughts.
The way we speak about them when they’re not there.

Because dishonour doesn’t always look like disrespect. Sometimes it’s just a quiet shift in the heart.

And if I’m being honest, I’ve had to check myself in this area too.

A Heart Check

As we grow, we start to see things differently. We notice flaws. We form our own opinions.

And if we’re not careful, familiarity can turn into something else.

Not hatred.
Not rebellion.

Just… a lack of honour. And it can sit there quietly.

When It’s Not Easy

Let’s be honest — this isn’t always straightforward.

For some, it’s simple. For others, it’s layered.

But I’m realising honour is not about pretending everything is perfect.

It’s about how I choose to carry my parents in my heart before God.

Even when it’s not easy.

Why It Matters

The part I keep coming back to is this:

God didn’t just give the instruction — He attached a promise to it.

“…so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” — Ephesians 6:3

Which means this is not just about them. It’s also about me walking in alignment with God.

Closing Thought

This felt like a quiet nudge more than anything else.

Just to pause and ask: How am I doing in this area?

Not perfectly.

But honestly.

Closing Prayer

Father, Help me to honour my parents in a way that truly pleases You.

Check my heart where it needs to be checked. Soften me where I’ve become careless.
Teach me what honour really looks like in my life.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.