“Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the LORD. Husbands, LOVE your wives and DO NOT be harsh them. Children, OBEY your PARENTS in everything, for this pleases the LORD. Fathers, do not embitter your Children, or they become discouraged… whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the LORD, not for human masters.”
Colossians 3:18-21, 23
Meditation:
These verses serve as instructions on how we are to interact with one another within the body of the Jesus Christ.
At the end of the day, the main goal is for all of us to live in harmony with one another, united in our love for God and one another. Paul includes guidance for different types of relationships, assisting the Colossians (and us) with how we should treat one another.
Wives are to (submit to) respect their husbands, loving them wholly, as they would love God and husbands are commanded to do the same. I prefer to use ‘respect’ rather than ‘submit’ because God loves both men and women equally and does not place one above the other but as ONE together. Paul adds that they are not to be bitter or angry towards each other in any way – but forgiving as God forgives us. There is balance within the marriage when it comes to love and respect. Unfortunately, some people have twisted this verse and similar verses to mean a completely different thing.
Children are instructed to love and obey their parents, honoring them in all they do, while parents are encouraged to love their children and discipline them with love. Once again, balance in parent-child relationships is difficult. There is often much emphasis on how children should be towards their parents, without much being said as to how parents should be with their children. Parents should encourage and teach their children with love and should discipline their children not with anger and hostility but with correction and compassion. Discipline with love. As Christians we should know that we are to love our children as God loves us.
Servants - people who are employed - were encouraged to be loyal to their masters. In this age we live in, we can apply this to our lives at work. We should show our loyalty to our bosses, by taking our work seriously and not just to gain favor in their eyes. The sincerity in our work will speak far greater than any amount of work we attempt to do.
There is nothing to be gained from trying to wrong the people around us. It will only create strife. We should desire to love everyone around us, not just because we have been told to but, because of the love that God first showed us. Overall, we should know that to love one another is God’s deepest desire for us. God encourages it greatly and He will reward His children who follow his instructions.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father thank you for giving us clear instructions for Loving and Harmonious Relationships! Help us to accept and obey your instructions every day. And with Humility ask for discernment and wisdom when we face disagreements or conflicts. In Jesus name we pray. Amen!
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