NOTES for Eph 6:1-9

Today’s reading teaches us “how we should act,” not “what we should demand from our parents or children.” Of course, the first verse about children obeying their parents is very important. But today, together with the apostle Paul, I would like to speak in defense of children. What is the purpose of upbringing? What do we want to achieve? When a child comes up and says, “Mom, may I...?” what answer do we give, and why? Paul says, “Do not provoke your children.” This is a fairly precise description of what “upbringing for upbringing’s sake” does to a child. What is my purpose when I say “no”? Simply to stop an unnecessary movement? For what reason? The meaning of upbringing is to raise a child in the discipline and instruction of the Lord—or, more briefly, in love. But can a little person be raised to love in any way other than simply by loving that person? The only way to raise a child “according to the apostle Paul” is love. If behind each of our “no” or “yes” stands “leave me alone,” we will only provoke the child. But if every “I permit it” or “I do not permit it” means “because I love you,” then we have hope of raising a person capable of love.