When Honor Hurts: Redefining the Fifth Commandment (Part One)

How do you honor your father and mother when that relationship has caused deep pain or even abuse? In part one of this powerful two-part conversation, I am joined by my friend Kristina to explore the tension between honoring parents and protecting your heart. We unpack the difference between Old and New Testament teachings, share vulnerable personal stories, and ask bold spiritual questions that don’t have easy answers.

Topics we explore in Part One:

• What “honor your father and mother” meant in the Old Testament

• The transition to grace through the New Testament

• The impact of fear-based theology and legalism

• Enmeshment theory and emotional control

• What it means to honor parents as an adult child

• The tension between biblical honor and people-pleasing

Scripture References in Part One:

• Exodus 20:12 — The fifth commandment

• Ephesians 6:1–3 — Children and obedience

• Psalm 23:4 — “Your rod and staff, they comfort me”

• Matthew 5:17 — Jesus fulfilling the law

• Deuteronomy context — Teaching children commandments

• Philippians 4:8 — Meditating on what is good

If you’ve ever struggled with religious expectations, enmeshment, or the emotional weight of family, this episode will meet you right where you are with truth, curiosity, and grace.