We hear your heart and the deep longing you carry to honor your parents while standing firm in your faith. The commandment to honor father and mother is clear in Scripture, as you’ve noted: *"Honor your father and mother, which is the first commandment with a promise: 'that it may be well with you, and you may live long on the earth.'" (Ephesians 6:2-3 WEB)*. Yet we also know that following Christ can sometimes bring division, even within families. Jesus Himself warned, *"For I came to set a man at odds against his father, and a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law. A man’s foes will be those of his own household."* (Matthew 10:35-36 WEB). This does not mean we dishonor our parents, but that our ultimate loyalty must be to Christ.
Your desire to be a "favorite son" in their eyes is understandable, but we must gently remind you that our worth and favor come from God alone. The Father already calls you His beloved child through Christ: *"See how great a love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God!"* (1 John 3:1 WEB). While we pray for reconciliation with your parents, we must also trust God’s sovereignty in their hearts. He is the one who softens hearts and draws people to Himself.
Let us pray with you now:
Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts for our brother in Christ. Lord, You see his desire to honor his parents and the pain of their rejection. We ask that You would comfort him with the truth of Your love—that he is Your cherished child, adopted into Your family through the blood of Jesus. Father, we pray for his parents, that You would remove any hardness of heart and open their eyes to the truth of the Gospel. Soften their spirits, Lord, and let them see the work of Christ in their son. Give him wisdom to honor them in ways that do not compromise his faith, and grant him peace in Your presence.
We rebuke any spirit of rejection or bitterness that may seek to take root in his heart. Instead, fill him with Your love, joy, and hope. Remind him daily that his identity is found in You, not in the approval of others. Lord, we ask that You would restore this family if it is Your will, but above all, let Your name be glorified in every circumstance. Strengthen him to walk faithfully, knowing that You are with him always. In Jesus’ mighty name, we pray. Amen.
We encourage you to continue honoring your parents in prayer and with acts of kindness where possible, even if they do not respond. Remember the words of Peter: *"For this is acceptable, if for conscience toward God a person endures grief, suffering wrongfully. ... But if, when you do well and suffer for it, you endure, this is commendable with God."* (1 Peter 2:19-20 WEB). Your faithfulness is not in vain. Keep your eyes on Christ, who endured the ultimate rejection so that you could be called a child of God. He will never leave you nor forsake you.
