Honor Your Parents: Challenges

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Honor Your Parents: Challenges

Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org

Scripture

"Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love." (Ephesians 4:2 NLT)

Thought for the Day

As parents become less quick-witted, slower in pace, stubborn or super independent, it is natural for their caregiver to experience frustration and impatience. Have you been there? 
 
Perhaps you are going through this type of frustration daily. When they are acting like children. When they are demanding. When they are confused or ask the same question over and over and over. When they criticize everything you do.
 
Consider This . . .
 
So how should you respond? Should you just grit your teeth and bear it? 
 
As today's scripture instructs . . . be patient and make allowance for their faults. Ask God to help you respond to the frustration with love and forgiveness. 
 
However, although you should always honor them as your parents, treating them with love and respect, you may also need to establish healthy boundaries. Honoring them does not mean allowing them to manipulate you. If they have a tendency to take advantage of you, learn to stand your ground. Don't express anger or say unkind things, but be firm. Ask God to help you gain perspective.
 
Prayer
 
Father, I get so frustrated at times. Help me be more patient and loving. And please give me discernment to know when my parents are trying to manipulate me. Help me to respond with strength - and respect. In Jesus' name . . .
 

These thoughts were drawn from …


Caregiving: Caring for Aging Parents by Charles Puchta. The purpose of this curriculum is to provide hope and direction to those concerned about the health and well-being of aging parents or an ill spouse or relative. We address predominate issues most families face. Each session is designed to discuss a specific area of concern such as the purpose of a caregiver or end-of-life planning. It will become clear to participants that the Bible provides encouragement and direction to help them through this caregiving journey. Note: This curriculum was written especially for small groups, and we encourage people to use it that way. However, it can also be used effectively as a study for individuals or couples.

We hope these devotions are a blessing to you and to others in your life. We are happy to provide them for you at no cost, but thought you might want to consider a donation to help our ministry with the expense involved. You can safely donate through our website . Thank you!

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©Living Free 2007. Living Free is a registered trademark. Living Free Every Day® devotionals may be reproduced for personal use. When reproduced to share with others, please acknowledge the source as Living Free, Chattanooga, TN, www.LivingFree.org. Must have written permission to use in any format to be sold. Permission may be requested by sending an e-mail to info@LivingFree.org

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