“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

Our verse for Father’s Day comes out of Ephesians. Paul is writing a letter to a church and is quoting for all of us one of the ten commandments given by God. To honor your father and mother. The commandments are in Exodus chapter 20 (your parents can help you look them up). But Paul tells us that this commandment is the only one with a promise from God. If we honor our mother and father, we will enjoy long life.

Remember on Mother’s Day we talked about this same commandment and honoring your mom. Well, today we are focusing on dads because God’s command includes both of your parents. Honor your dad (just like your mom) by obeying him (doing what he asks), loving him, respecting him (speaking kindly, listening), and thanking him for all the things he does for you. What things does your dad do for you or with you that show he loves you? Do you show him that you love him, too?

I hope you treated your dad to a special day yesterday on Father’s Day! Did you make him a card, buy him a gift, make him breakfast, give him lots of hugs, or just say, “I love you. Thanks for being my dad”? Those are all great ways to honor your dad, but we shouldn’t just honor our dads on Father’s Day. God’s commandment tells us we are to honor our dads all the time, every day!

Each day this week, find a way to honor your dad. Help him with a chore, draw him a special picture, tell him you love him, run and hug him when he gets home from work, do what he asks you to (the first time he asks), make him a snack you both can share, or thank him for something he does for you. There are lots of ways to honor your dad this week and every day.

And don’t forget your mom. Are you still honoring her every day, too?

Blessings and honor and love every day!