How should a Christian view ADD and ADHD?
The John’s Hopkins Psychiatry Guide defines attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) as “a neurodevelopmental, chronic disorder involving a persistent pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity/impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development” (www.hopkinsguides.com, accessed 7/31/2024). Some use the label ADD to refer to symptoms that mostly involve inattention, but the clinical diagnosis is still ADHD. To be diagnosed with…
Does the Bible say anything that would apply to paying child support?
The Bible is clear that God hates divorce (Malachi 2:16) and that, if possible, a husband and wife should seek reconciliation and forgiveness before making the decision to end their marriage (Luke 11:4; Ephesians 4:32). However, God acknowledges that divorce will occur because we are sinful human beings (Matthew 19:8). The Bible does not mention…
What does the Bible say about overbearing or controlling parents?
Parents are instructed to bring up their children in the nurture and instruction of the Lord (Ephesians 6:4). Some parents, in attempting to do this, become overbearing and overly controlling. Fearful that their children will make mistakes, some parents keep too tight a rein on their children, often causing those children to rebel. While the…
How should Christian parents respond if a child has a learning disability?
It seems that today more and more parents in the western world are saying, “My child has a learning disability!” In western society more and more children are being identified as having ADD, ADHD, or being diagnosed as afflicted with autism or some sort of mental condition that makes them unable to relate to others…
What does the Bible say about nepotism?
Nepotism is the act of showing favoritism, especially as it relates to employment opportunities, based on kinship. If a boss passes over several qualified applicants in order to hire his less-qualified nephew for a job, that is nepotism. Most government agencies and public employers have anti-nepotism policies that prevent bias based on relationship. Nepotism is…
How do we honor an abusive parent?
It would be so much easier if God had asked only that we honor our parents if they are good, kind and loving to us, but the command of Exodus 20:12 is “Honor your father and mother,” period. Ephesians 6:1 says to “obey” them. There are many hurt and damaged people who find these commands…
What does it mean to honor my father and mother?
Honoring your father and mother is being respectful in word and action and having an inward attitude of esteem for their position. The Greek word for honor means “to revere, prize, and value.” Honor is giving respect not only for merit but also for rank. For example, some Americans may disagree with the President’s decisions,…
What does the Bible say about obeying parents?
Obeying one’s parents is a direct command from God. “Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right” (Ephesians 6:1). The word obey in this verse is linked to the idea of “honoring” them in the next verse. Ephesians 6:2–3 continues: “‘Honor your father and mother’—which is the first command with a promise—‘so…
What does the Bible say about caring for our old parents?
The Bible has much to say about caring for elderly parents and other family members who are not able to care for themselves. The early Christian church acted as the social services agency for other believers. They cared for the poor, the sick, the widows and the orphans who had no one else to care…
What does the Bible say about brothers and sisters/siblings?
Siblings are mentioned often throughout the Old and New Testaments. Some of the most famous siblings we find are Cain and Abel (Genesis 4:1–8); Jacob and Esau (Genesis 25:19–27); Joseph and his eleven brothers (Genesis 37); Moses, Aaron, and Miriam (Numbers 26:59); Peter and Andrew (Matthew 4:18); and Martha, Mary, and Lazarus (John 11:1). Love…