Bible Love Notes

Why Ignoring God's Commands Is Destroying Families

2026-05-28T03:30:00.000-04:00

An increasing number of adult children are marginalizing or cutting off their aging parents.

Both secular and compromised “Christian” psychology often promote this trend by calling estrangement “boundaries” and selfishness “self-care.”

However, even secular sources recognize that “Grandparent alienation is a type of elder abuse … when grandparents are unreasonably denied meaningful opportunities to have a relationship and spend time with their grandchildren.” (source)

God couldn’t be clearer about honoring parents:

Exodus 20:12 and Ephesians 6:1-3 command it with a promise attached to stress its importance.

During Old Testament times, Exodus 21:15,17, Leviticus 20:9, and Deuteronomy 21:18-21 called for the death of children who attacked or “cursed”* their parents.(1)

Deuteronomy 5:16, 27:16, and Leviticus 19:3 further stress honoring parents, and Proverbs 19:26, 20:20, 28:24, and 30:17 strongly rebuke those who curse, scorn, or rob their parents.

Romans 1:28-32 and 2 Timothy 3:1-3 list evil practices of depraved people, and disrespect for parents is on both lists.

First Timothy 5:3-4,8 explains the duty of children to care for the needs of their parents.

And in Matthew 15:1-9, Christ rebukes the Pharisees for encouraging people to prioritize the church above their parents. He refers to this as cursing* their parents, letting us know that cursing parents is not simply about words. And He ends with this strong statement:

“These people honor me with their lips, but their hearts are far from me. They worship me in vain; their teachings are merely human rules.”

If we dishonor our parents, we also dishonor God, bringing damage to our souls.

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For more on honoring parents, see:

Speck-Finders - Adult Children Who Judge Parents Hypocritically

and the most popular post on our Bite Size Bible Study blog:

Grow Up! Honoring Parents Biblically.

For more on the ungodly Boundaries teachings, see:

Blame Your Mom

Boundaries vs. Guidelines

Avoiding Difficult People Makes Us a Difficult Person

Other resources:

Estrangement Is Rising

Your Parents Don't Deserve This

(1) These were Old Testament civil laws given to the nation of Israel during a specific time in their history, a time when they were learning to follow God and separate themselves from the pagan nations around them. The death sentence is not part of the New Covenant in Christ, but this shows how God views disrespect for parents.

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When "Love" = Hate

2026-05-27T07:14:54.333-04:00

Many people of influence in the Christian community are questioning God's wisdom. (See Did Jesus Draw Lines or Circles? and Why Christian Leaders Are Judged More Strictly.)

They do this when they redefine moral behavior apart from clear scriptural guidelines and according to popular culture. They miss one of the most important points about God's commands: they are given because He loves us and knows what is best for us.

God's commands are perfect, refreshing, trustworthy, radiant, and precious (Psalm 19:7-11)!

Questioning, downplaying, ignoring, or contradicting God's commands is the same as doubting His love and wisdom.

Pastors, speakers, authors, and musicians who redefine sin are badly deceived. They think they're being loving to those involved in behavior forbidden by Scripture. But no one can be more loving than God (1 John 3:1).

We might not understand every aspect of God's commands, but we can trust Him as our creator. He is perfect. He always leads us out of darkness into the light.

Approving what God disapproves is a hate crime against God and against those enslaved to sin. Let's pray that Christians in positions of influence will clearly understand this. And let's pray that Christians will reject the teachings of those who compromise and redefine God's truth.

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Memorizing Scriptures To Improve Your Walk with the Lord

2026-05-26T03:30:00.000-04:00

I highly recommend that husbands and wives memorize Scripture together and singles memorize with a friend. It can help with our daily joys and challenges. Let me give you an example.

My husband and I are going through a difficult time with loved ones walking away from God, personal health problems, and a number of other challenges. So we've started memorizing passages such as these:

“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing to the glory that will be revealed in us.” Romans 8:18

“In me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33

We want to remind ourselves that our present sufferings are insignificant compared to our eternity with Christ and to remember that we can have peace in the midst of them.

Years ago, I memorized Philippians 4:6-7, and it's a great passage no matter what you're facing:

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

God's Word is alive (Hebrews 4:12). It affects our hearts and minds like nothing else (Isaiah 55:11).

What Scriptures do you need to memorize this week? See some ideas below.

Do you want to better understand God's grace?

See the Scriptures in We Need It: Grace

Do you want to start your day with encouraging Bible verses about your relationship with the Lord?

See 8 Statements Christians Should Make Each Day

Are you having trouble handling correction? See Accepting Correction – 10 Scriptures

Are you wanting to be more thankful?

See 10 Scriptures About Thankfulness

Would you like to pray Scripture?

See 10 Good Prayers from Psalms

Do you need to improve the way you communicate?

Our Words Matter – 26 Scriptures

Do you need encouragement to live your faith more fully?

See the Scriptures in Works Is Not a Dirty Word

Do you want to develop more self-control?

See Scriptures for Developing Self-Control

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