In a world where the relationship between parents and children is often marked by distance, Pastor Joel Engel reminds Christians of an important biblical commandment: honoring parents. 

According to the Brazilian Christian leader, honor is a fundamental principle that extends far beyond mere obedience. “Honor is about having consideration, admiration, and respect. Honoring means valuing, esteeming, and seeing someone as important and precious,” he states.

For Engel, honoring someone means treating that person with distinction and recognizing his importance and value. He explains that honor opens doors, attracts people, and has a spiritual dimension that connects and brings good, repelling evil at the same time.

“Honor is a principle of conduct and is related to personal values like integrity, honesty, and character,” says the pastor.

Hierarchy of Honor

During a message, he outlined a clear hierarchy of whom we should honor, placing God first, followed by parents, spouse, and others. He also emphasized that honoring parents is one of the Ten Commandments. It is the fifth, according to Exodus 20:12: “Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long.”

Engel notes: “Long life and good days, notice that there is a distinction; these are two blessings. So it’s a double portion for those who fulfill it.” The pastor stresses that honoring parents brings two great blessings: long life and good days. 

He also highlights that God reminds Christians that “all authority comes from God”, according to Romans 13. “Many people who have issues with their parents find it difficult to love them, but God is saying, ‘I am not obligating you to love, but to honor,’” Engel asserts.

As the pastor explains, dishonor is a serious sin. A good example is Judas, who betrayed Jesus for thirty pieces of silver, the price of a slave, showing no honor at all.

“People often wonder, ‘Peter denied Jesus three times, was forgiven, and became the leader of the Church. Judas denied once and was not forgiven. Why?’ Because of the sin of dishonor. Judas treated Jesus like an ordinary person,” Engel clarifies.

The Consequences of Dishonor

Engel also warns about the serious consequences of dishonoring parents, mentioning Leviticus 19:3, which speaks of respecting father and mother. The text mentions that dishonor can bring decrees of death, diseases, and emotional and financial problems.

“Failing to honor your parents already brings a serious issue: bad days on Earth and a shorter life,” he emphasizes. Engel also notes: “The decree of death comes from dishonor to the father or withholding honor from him. But the worst part is that this decree of death from disobedience, from dishonor to parents, becomes an inheritance for the children.”

On the other hand, honor also brings rewards. Engel recalls Ezekiel 44:30, that speaks of bringing the first fruits to the priest as an act of honor. In this text, there are mentions that honoring brings rewards like health, prosperity, and spiritual blessings.

“Honoring means treating someone with distinction, attributing to that person a special value”. In his closing argument, Engel adds: “When you show honor, you are blessed. The reward of honor is good and long days, wealth, physical honor, health, emotional, material, and spiritual honor.”

About the Author

Joel Engel is a pastor known for his teachings on biblical principles and their practical applications in daily life. Through his sermons and writings, he seeks to inspire individuals to live a life of honor and integrity, reflecting the values taught in the Scriptures.