Proverbs 20
Family.
It’s the one thing we never get to choose when we’re born into this world. Whether our parents were the best or the worst doesn’t change the fact that they are our parents.
My parents divorced when I was young, and that came with both joys and challenges. I had the unique experience of growing up with nine siblings across three different homes. There are so many cherished memories—theme park adventures, long road trips to see extended family, summer pool days, and holidays that were always full of laughter and life.
But the other side of that story is this: our parents were young and still gaining wisdom. We saw their imperfections early on.
As a young adult, when I gave my life to Jesus, the Holy Spirit placed it on my heart to forgive my parents. And it didn’t stop there. I had to learn how to honor them. How to love them. How to respect them—even when it wasn’t easy.
“If someone curses their father or mother, their lamp will be snuffed out in pitch darkness,” Proverbs 20:20 (NIV)
This verse highlights something deeper than just disrespect. King Solomon is revealing that our heart posture matters to God. When we choose resentment, sarcasm, or unforgiveness toward our parents, we are misaligned with God’s love and design for our lives.
In Hebrew tradition, the “lamp” often symbolized life, guidance, and favor. So, when our lamp is “snuffed out,” we’re not just damaging a relationship—we’re stepping into confusion, spiritual darkness, and a loss of clarity. Dishonor doesn’t
just affect them. It affects us.
Many of us carry wounds from our families. God doesn’t dismiss our pain. He sees it. But still, He calls us into a higher way. He invites us into freedom—not by staying bitter, but by choosing honor. Sometimes that looks like forgiveness. Sometimes its setting boundaries rooted in love. Sometimes it’s simply choosing not to curse what you wish had been different.
In a world where dishonor is normalized, God calls us to walk in blessing. He promises clarity and peace when we choose His way—restoring the light of honor in our homes, one heart at a time.
Guided Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to honor the ones YOU chose to bring me into this world. Although there has been pain, show me to how to walk in your truth without bitterness and resentment. Help me to restore my lamp, so that I may a blessing to others. Lead me out of the darkness and confusion and into the light of Your presence. Thank you for your grace and mercy. Help me to give the same to those around me. Amen.