You still have to "honor mother and father" and that's a natural commandment.
It's not at all about "respect is earned," not with your parents.
It is a tenet that is necessary for a stable society. They gave you life, they took care of you when you were helpless (though with a thousand faults, like all of us), utmost honor is due them.
And consider why in the world would you have been any different from them if the tables were turned.
"For who maketh thee to differ from another? and what hast thou that thou didst not receive? now if thou didst receive it, why dost thou glory, as if thou hadst not received it?"
I love and respect my father. My mother is a manipulating egomaniac who has caused pain and misery to everyone around her even her grandkids.
You are a good person.
Thanks.
Don't let her sin become your sin.
The obligation to her is of God and TO God, you will be blessed for honoring Him by honoring her.
This is unbelievably well put. I am stealing this.
I appreciate reading your perspective. And I agree. Other than a few exceptions most of us should naturally show respect and patience to our families and especially parents. Even if they are normies.
Thanks, yes it's just Biblical teaching of course based on the fifth commandment and elucidated (for lack of better word, I guess 'expounded upon' would work) by the great European theologians of the 1600s.
It's difficult for sure due to some parents' faults and sins but necessary for order and also it's a blessing to those who endeavor to keep the commandment.
"Children, obey your parents in the Lord: for this is right.
2 Honour thy father and mother; which is the first commandment with promise;
3 That it may be well with thee, and thou mayest live long on the earth."
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