Relationships in the Home

“Wives, be subject to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be embittered against them. Children, be obedient to your parents in all things, for this is well-pleasing to the Lord. Fathers, do not exasperate your children, so that they will not lose heart.” Colossians 3:18-21

Someone wisely said concerning the family: “If it doesn’t work at home, don’t export it.” Relationships in the intimate and sacred environment of the home are the backbone of society, impacting church, government, and work. There are four specific interpersonal categories in which God desires to work out of His harmonious will.

Husband to Wife - God calls the husband to serve his wife, not dominate her. The husband’s relationship is oriented to sacrificial servanthood, enabling his wife to become all that God wants her to be.

Wife to Husband - God calls a wife to encourage and support her husband faithfully. That encouragement comes as she expresses her confidence in and respect for her husband in his management of the family and his personal skills.

Parents to Children - God calls parents to guide and motivate their children to follow His plan, not their own. Children are gifts from God, not possessions.

Children to Parents - God calls children to respect and obey their parents, not follow their peers. Such obedience is a seedbed of blessing for children during their childhood and adult lives.

“Unless the Lord builds the house, they labor in vain who build it...” Psalm 127:1