The primary focus of the Fifth Commandment is the importance
of learning to respect others while we are still children.
"Honor your father and your mother, that your days may be long upon
the land which the Lord your God is giving you" (Exodus 20:12).
The Fifth Commandment introduces us to a series of commandments that
define proper relationships with other people. Six of the commandments-the
fifth through the 10th-serve as the standards of conduct in areas
of human behavior that generate the most-far-reaching consequences on
individuals, families, groups and society.
Our abuse and exploitation of each other is appalling. The intensity
and magnitude of the violence among ourselves is inexcusable. We desperately
need to reverse the horrifying results of our inability to get along
with each other. We need to learn how to work together harmoniously
in every area of life-to build stable, loving, lasting relationships.
Establishing the rudimentary principles by which workable relationships
can be built is the objective of the last six commandments. They define,
with stark clarity, the areas of behavior in which human nature creates
the biggest roadblocks to peace and cooperation. They provide us with
the guidance we need to remove those roadblocks.
This Fifth Commandment sets the tone for the last six. It addresses
the importance of our learning to treat each other with respect and
honor.
Learning respect for others
Learning responsibility for our own conduct and character is the beginning
of good relationships. Our character, which drives our conduct, begins
to form during our childhood. It is during our formative years that
our attitudes governing our personal desires in relation to the desires
and needs of others is shaped and molded. That is the primary focus
of the Fifth Commandment: the importance of learning to respect others
while we are still children.
