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Honor your father and mother is the fifth of 10 commandments handed down from God to Moses on Mt. Sinai.

Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you (Exodus 20:12 NIV).

My mom and dad set a good example of how to honor their parents. Although I didn’t get to know my grandparents, both my mom and dad spoke highly of them. They told stories of their love and verbally honored them.

Besides speaking well of parents, there are many different ways to honor them. According to Gary Chapman, author of “The 5 Love Languages,” there are five main ways to show love: words of affirmation, quality time, physical touch, acts of service, and receiving gifts.

Each one of these ways to show love is also a way to honor parents in an outward act.

Words of affirmation

Saying, “I love you.” With every visit, telephone conversation, or text message, end it by telling your parents that you love them.

Quality time

Plan time with them. Dedicate time with Mom and Dad outside of traditional weekly visits or holiday get-togethers.

Physical touch

Touch them. Give a warm hug, place a hand on their shoulder, hold their hand, or rub their back.

Acts of service

Do something for them. Pick up their groceries, shovel snow, or offer to do yard work.

Receiving gifts

Give them a present. Put together a care package of things you know they would like.

I have always held high respect and esteem for my parents. But I’m blessed to have wonderful parents who are easy to love. Honoring them is a delight for me.

Sadly, not all people share such esteem for their parents. There may be a history of bitterness and grudges. My friend tells stories of childhood that are very different than my experiences.

For those who have parents that are challenging or undeserving of honor, you can still be obedient to God’s command by praying for them and by working on forgiving them.

And when we honor our parents, God blesses us with a promise.

Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother — which is the first commandment with a promise — so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth (Ephesians 6:1–3 NIV).

It’s never too late to grow in honoring parents.

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