Ten Commandments (9) - Honouring Parents

The fifth commandment requires everyone to honour their parents. There were civil penalties for children who insulted their parents (Exodus 20:15,17). These penalties are no longer mandatory, because they were part of the system specifically given to Israel, to distinguish them from the surrounding nations.

You must purge the evil from among you. All Israel will hear of it and be afraid (Deut 21:21).

Christians should still honour their parents, but this should now be voluntary rather than mandatory. Civil penalties are no longer required now that the Holy Spirit is able to change our hearts and attitudes.