A young man, aged 29, was murdered on the day of his marriage by his father. (The Economic Times, 8 March 2024) The young man owned a gym, physically robust. The father escaped by stabbing him to death and had cash and gold when arrested. He did not have any remorse or regret for his murder. His reasons were: public humiliation, insult, physical violence, and defiance by his son.
Honor or Humiliate?
God has commanded all to honor their parents. Paul writes: “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” (Ephesians 6:2-3) Humiliation is the opposite of giving honor. If a child does not want to honor the parents, could keep silent instead of doing dishonor and humiliation. Insulting, humiliating, and indulging in violence against parents are not right in the sight of God.
Abusive parent
Paul warns fathers (and mothers) not to provoke children, instead bringing them up in the discipline of the Word of God. (Ephesians 6:1) If the parents are verbally and physically abusive, grown-up children could protest or protect themselves by getting counsel from the church or non-government agencies. However, minor children are mostly vulnerable. Many governments have provisions to protect such children also. There are toll-free calls to give information to authorities regarding such abuses.
Sign of Last Days
Paul writes that in the Last Days, there would be terrible times. (II Timothy 3:1-6) In this incident, the father was proud, heartless, unappeasable, without self-control, brutal, and not loving what was good. He was so proud to be easily hurt and was brutal to kill his son, cunningly and just as his wedding ceremony began. He deliberately did it so that the noise of the wedding would drown his son’s shouts. The son, though physically strong, was weak in his character. He was arrogant, abusive, disobedient to his parents, ungrateful and unholy. Showing courtesy, polite behavior, and esteeming others brings good relationships.
Do I honor or abuse others?