New Relationships in Christ – Colossians chapter 3, verses 18 to 25
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
Colossians 3:18-21 New International Version – UK (NIVUK) Holy Bible, New International Version® Anglicized, NIV® Copyright © 1979, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Abusive Relationships?
Damaging relationships are so widespread – is the answer to abolish the human relationships where so much suffering takes place? Marriage? Family?
The Gospel of Jesus has a better answer
It shows us how to live with love, respect and humility in our relationships.
Wives Submit …
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
Godly submission is not oppression, nor inferiority. It is voluntary, never to be coerced. It is a matter of roles, not worth.
Husbands love …
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
Husbands are to love radically, sacrificing much to help and encourage their wives. Ask her advice, and listen to her.
Children Obey …
20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
It pleases God. Yes, your parents are not perfect but they have been kids before you; it’s OK not to know everything.
Parents must not embitter their kids
21 Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.
Encourage them, guide them, love them, help them.
