Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
(Ephesians 6:4, NASB)
Yes, as we learned yesterday, children are to obey and honor their parents. But parents have their own commandments.
Paul was writing to fathers, but I think it’s safe to substitute “parents” here. Parents aren’t to “provoke [their] children to anger.” They’re not to mistreat or abuse them. They’re not to neglect them. They’re not to do anything that may cause their children to lash out in anger. They aren’t to instill bitterness.
Instead, they are to instruct them in God’s word, teaching them its truths. They are to model godly behavior. They are to encourage them to spend daily time in God’s word and in prayer, helping them to grow in faith.
Imagine a world where all parents inspired and encouraged their children, and where all children respected and honored their parents. Not only because they’re commanded to do so, but because they genuinely love each other.
Wouldn’t that be peace on earth?
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