Most of us have had loving parents or folks who raised us like parents in our parents’ absence. They were good to us and taught us the beneficial and necessary aspects of life. They aided us when we needed support, corrected us when we needed discipline, comforted us when we needed a hug, advised us when we needed direction, and loved us when we were difficult and obstinate. We love them for that. Moreover, our love and appreciation should go much further than words.
“My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth” (1 John 3:18).
What are a couple of ways in which we can demonstrate our gratitude to those who raised us and show them their tireless efforts were not in vain?
We Should Love God The Way They Did
Our good folks believed in the God of the bible and tried to put him ahead of everything because of the love they had for him (1 John 4:19). We witnessed their love which not only taught us through what they said but also by what they did. Ensuring we knew God for ourselves and that we would develop a right relationship with him by putting him and his will first. Having the Lord first in our lives is most certainly according to God’s will (Matt. 6:33; 22:37-38). The good folks who raised us will appreciate seeing this spiritual priority in us also (2 Tim. 1:5; 3:14-15).
We Should Love Them The Way They Loved Us
Most of us received unconditional love from our folks. They abandoned their dreams and desires for a life of serving us. Even suffering hardships and heartaches when our behavior was undeserving of it. They gave themselves and all they had. Most of us took it for granted as something they ought to do. “…for children ought not to lay up for the parents, but parents for the children” (2 Cor. 12:14). But it was still a choice they made because of the love they had for us. Our good folks will appreciate seeing their love reciprocated by us (Mk. 7:10-13; 1 Tim. 5:4,8,16).
Unwavering dedication and spiritual service should be in all of us through the word of God (Matt. 4:4; Jas. 1:21-22; 2 John 9). Our good folks taught us to serve God. “…but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord” (Josh. 24:15).
