Relationships

Wives be submissive to your husbands, as is fitting in The Lord.

Husbands, love your wives and don't be bitter towards them.

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases The Lord.

Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so they won't become discouraged.

Slaves ( servants) obey your human masters in everything. Don't work only while being watched, in order to please men, but work wholeheartedly, fearing The Lord.

Whatever you do, do it enthusiastically, as something done for The Lord and not for men, knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from The Lord. You serve The Lord Christ.

For the wrongdoer will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favouritism.

Masters, supply your slaves with what is right and fair, since you know that you too have a Master in heaven. Colossians 3:18-25

In every instance above: wives; husbands; children; fathers; servants; masters, there is an attitude required.

Wives submitting is not a doormat submission, not in anyway inferring inferiority. Out of relationship with Christ and being loved by a husband who loves like Christ loves the church and gave Himself up for it, a wife easily defers to her husband.

It is interesting that Paul tells the husband not to be bitter towards their wives. Bitterness comes out of offence. So the husband is not to become offended by his wife, but love her.

Children obeying their parents is mutually beneficial. This also is not a harsh command. A child would not be e pelted to submit to abuse.

The fathers are again given a direction of restraint of attitude towards their children.

Servants, employees all come under the next category. In this day and age employees think they can do their own thing and have lost respect for authority. Yet respect and loyalty go a long way.

Employers be fair and just to your servants, we are all under the same heavenly master.