God’s Renewing Word of Love
Introduction
Colossians 3:18—4:1: Today’s reading contains the apostle Paul’s advice for Christian living and is reflective of the social structure of his time. He discusses family relationships and the relationship between slaves and their masters.
Scripture Reading
Personal Relations in the New Life
18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, for that is what you should do as Christians.
19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.
20 Children, it is your Christian duty to obey your parents always, for that is what pleases God.
21 Parents, do not irritate your children, or they will become discouraged.
22 Slaves, obey your human masters in all things, not only when they are watching you because you want to gain their approval; but do it with a sincere heart because of your reverence for the Lord. 23Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people. 24Remember that the Lord will give you as a reward what he has kept for his people. For Christ is the real Master you serve. 25 And all wrongdoers will be repaid for the wrong things they do, because God judges everyone by the same standard.
1 Masters, be fair and just in the way you treat your slaves. Remember that you too have a Master in heaven.
Today’s Key Verse: Colossians 3:23
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for people.
Reflect
Just as wives are to honor their husbands, so too are husbands to love their wives as much as Christ loved the church (verses 18, 19). And according to what Paul has written here, when slaves serve their masters, they are really serving Christ. Masters, likewise, are to be fair and just in their treatment of slaves (4:1). How does Paul describe the relationship between parents and children (verses 20, 21)? What are your thoughts about today’s reading?
Pray
Lord Jesus, you are the true Master in heaven whom I serve. May all I do this day reflect my love and devotion to you. In your precious and holy name, I pray. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Colossians 4:2-18: The apostle Paul encourages the Colossians to be persistent in prayer.