Colossians 3:18-21

Colossians 3:18:21

Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them. Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

 

 

 

This verse, when mentioned in today's world, tends to evoke some harsh responses. The particular angst centers around the part that talks about wives submitting to their husbands. The idea of actually submitting to someone today's is usually not embraced. But if you read verses 18-21 in their entirety and soak in the complete message, you will see that the text does not key in on just one part of the equation. The message is not intended to place one group over another, implying some form of ranking amongst God's people. Rather it takes a holistic view of peace and respect amongst all pieces of the puzzle. Wives are to love and respect their husbands...husbands are to love and respect their wives...children are to obey and respect their parents...and parents are to avoid exasperating their children with constant correction and restraint. There is balance...there is mutual respect and love...there is peace. This peace exists because it requires a person put another first...husbands put needs of wife first, wife put needs of husband first...there is balance. All parties lead with forgiveness, tolerance, and love instead of judgment, ridicule and criticism. In short, all are serving the Lord in their relationships...for when we love, forgive, and respect one another, we are following the Lords commands...therefore we are serving the Lord. And when we put serving the Lord as our goal each day...when we seek to please the Lord in everything we say and do...we find peace in our relationships...we love and we are loved, we respect and we are respected. And who doesn't want peace in their relationships! To God alone be the glory.