God’s Image Study • Commandment 5: Father and Mother
Recognizing more than outward appearance requires a willingness to listen. If we decide beforehand how God’s instruction must reach us, we may dismiss what we have not yet examined.
As we continue studying Father and Mother, we carry forward the roles of giving life, teaching, nourishing, and guiding. Honor involves our response to that instruction. Do we receive correction, or only welcome what agrees with us?
Instruction Must Be Received
Proverbs 6:20–23 brings the father’s commandment and the mother’s teaching together. The instruction is to be retained, bound to the heart, and carried through daily life. It guides, guards, and speaks; correction belongs to the way of life. Read Proverbs 6:20–23.
This asks more of us than acknowledging a title. We must consider whether we are allowing the instruction to shape us.
If I claim to honor the source of life while refusing correction, what am I actually honoring—God’s instruction or my existing understanding?
Examination Requires an Open Ear
Paul writes:
“Do not quench the Spirit; do not despise prophecies, but examine all things; hold fast to that which is good”
— 1 Thessalonians 5:19–21, LSB, excerpt
These instructions belong together. We are told to examine what we hear and retain what is good. Examination requires attention; immediate dismissal prevents that examination from taking place.
John likewise directs believers to test the spirits because false prophets have gone into the world. Confidence, familiarity, or an impressive claim cannot replace that testing. The same examination applies to teachings we already accept. Read 1 John 4:1–3.
Receiving the Bearer and Honoring the Sender
Jesus connects receiving those he sends with receiving himself and the One who sent him. Even the giving of a cup of water has significance within that relationship. The visible person and the source of the commission remain connected. Read Matthew 10:40–42.
This carries our study of recognition into conduct. We should consider the words being spoken without allowing appearance, reputation, or disagreement to become permission for contempt.
The relationships we have examined—Father, Mother, children, and household—bring responsibilities. Recognizing a role should lead us toward faithful care and instruction.
Correction Must Also Reflect Love
Paul instructs the Lord’s servant to be kind, patient, and gentle when correcting opposition, with the possibility that God may grant repentance and recognition of the truth. The purpose is restoration. Read 2 Timothy 2:24–26.
John also places our claim to love God beside our treatment of the brother we can see. Our conduct must agree with our confession. Read 1 John 4:20–21.
Before correcting another, we can examine ourselves: Am I willing to be corrected? Have I listened carefully? Does my response reflect the love I say guides me?
Threads to Follow
Instruction and fruit: How does receiving correction become visible in daily conduct?
Honor and love: Keep our response to God connected with our treatment of others.
Orphans and Widows: Carry teaching, nourishment, presence, and care into our future study.
The books were opened…
🌿 By Maria Emilia
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