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 **These are some collections of thoughts and reflections in my notes during the service. Not intended for formal essays, blogs nor academic writing. 

    Some might wonder why in Ephesians 6:4 Paul only addressed fathers on not to exasperate their children or provoke them in anger and why not mothers? Why didn't he include both? Does that mean that only mothers can do it? Or do they have a license of provoking their children?

"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord." - Ephesians 6:4 (NIV)1



    Reading it today, I know that it refers to parents and doesn't exclude the mothers. Why do Paul mention fathers specifically? During Roman times in their culture, the father has absolute control over his children. He decided their fate.2 If he wanted to sell them and become slaves it will happen.2 It was their own choice of accepting their own children or giving them away. Perhaps if they don't like the face or appearance of their children or other factors. It was the norm. Paul totally countered that by referring to the fathers.

    As we apply this truth in our hearts. This is to all the parents out there not to provoke their children into anger through power tripping or abusing their authority. Always pray for them and teach them the word of the Lord. Paul shifted the focus to "bring[ing] them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord" - Ephesians 6:4 (NLT)1


Footnotes:

1 BibleHub. https://biblehub.com/ephesians/6-4.htm (Accessed on Nov 6, 2021)

2 Cunanan, Fer. "The Foundation of Marriage (Part 5)". Sermon at ENCM, Mississauga, ON, October 31, 2021.

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