Relationships

The Bible teaches us a lot about the importance of relationships and how we are to conduct ourselves.  Ephesians 5 and 6 in the NT tell about our responsibilities toward others.  In Eph. 5:15, Paul makes the general comment, "Be very careful, then, how you live--not as unwise, making the most of every opportunity..."  He then goes on to discuss the responsibility of wives to husbands and husbands to wives.  And the Bible talks a lot about the importance of each loving the other and respecting each other.  This is covered in detail at the end of Ephesians chapter 5.

In a very practical way, the New Testament discusses in some detail some of the other common relationships that we form in life.  Eph. 6 begins with teaching to children: "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. Honor your father and mother.."

Fathers--"Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord."  For this to be addressed to fathers shows that it can be a common problem.  It is important that fathers consider carefully their responsibility to the children.

Slaves--"Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but like slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.  Serve wholeheartedly...."   This teaching would apply to anyone who works for another.  This teaching is not given to support slavery, nor for that matter to abolish it; but realizing that it was a common practice, it teaches how one, anyone, is to serve.

Masters--"And masters, treat your slaves in the same way.  Do not threaten them, since you know that He who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with Him."  We see how people who have others working under them are to treat those.  It could be summed up by treating others in the way we want to be treated.

"Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His might power."  It certainly isn't always easy to serve the Lord in His way, but it is what we must do.  Have a great week!