Promise 53 from Exodus 20:12

Ex. 20:12 - "Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be prolonged in the land which the Lord your God gives you." - Honor is such an important virtue to carry with us. Its easy to honor great parents when they have been loving and kind, but for those who have not had that experience from the parents, it is difficult to honor people who have caused pain. Neither our society, nor do most of our churches, teach on the importance of honoring our loved ones and even those that seem to not deserve it. Our society seems to encourage a victim mentality which says its ok to pick sides and to hate or punish those who have done wrong. As Christians, who are secure in our positions as beloved sons and daughters of the Most High God, the Heavenly Father, we know that God restores us from our hurts from others and keep us securely at His side. We don't have to live with a victim mind-set, forever carrying the offences of others. He frees us to live in that Kingdom culture of honor. When we are in Christ we can honor the unhonorable. Because my parents are great parents, it is very easy for me honor them. I'm always saying, "I'm my mother's daughter!" But it has not always been easy for me to honor others around me who I've felt do not deserve it. God has been transforming my heart to be able to see people as He does. His creation is good, He created beautiful people. Even though people make terrible mistakes and choices in their lives, does not mean that they are any less beautiful in God's eyes. Therefore, they deserve to be honored. Let us try to create a culture of honor, if that takes place, and it is the poor behaviour that is punished not the spirit of the person themselves, then through honor people will feel valued, which will lead to right choices being made thereby making the "prolonged days in the land" God gives us more bearable. Honor someone today, start with your parents!