When we give our hearts to Jesus, he transforms our whole being and this is reflected in our treatment of others. Ephesians 6:1-9 describes what relationships between those of us who love God should be like and specifically mentions the relationship between parents and their children and the relationship between masters and their servants. These verses emphasize the importance of treating others with honor, respect, integrity and love.
relationships within the family
Paul begins by talking about family relationships. He explains how the relationship between parents and their children should be.
children’s homework
First he says something very simple and direct to the children: obey your parents. But that obedience must be “in the Lord.” What does this mean? It means that both children and parents serve the Lord and live according to his commands. God’s will for our families is that all members love him and be guided by him.
If parents have submitted their will to God and seek to act in justice and love, the mandates to their children will be in accordance with the will of God and, therefore, will be fair. Children who love God from a young age understand that by submitting to their parents they are obeying God and this makes obedience easier.
As the children grow, they must strengthen their personal relationship with God, since their main obedience will be before him. Of course, it will always be important to prayerfully consider the wise advice of parents. Those who love and fear the Lord will advise their children according to biblical principles and will always encourage them to obey God.
Honor your father and your mother —which is the first commandment with a promise— so that it goes well for you and you enjoy a long life on earth.
(Ephesians 6:2-3)
The obedience of the children implies internal attitudes such as honor that will be reflected in concrete acts towards the parents. The son who honors his father and his mother always treats them with respect, with courtesy and shows appreciation for them. He expresses his feelings with love even if he doesn’t totally agree and respects the dignity of his parents.
These verses refer to one of the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:12) and the promise to those who obey it. We must honor our parents all our lives, it is not a commandment that expires when we reach 18 years of age. By fulfilling it we not only bless our parents but we also receive blessing.
Learn more about the ten commandments
Parent duties
And you parents, do not make your children angry, but bring them up according to the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
(Ephesians 6:4)
Pablo now speaks directly to the parents. He tells them one thing they shouldn’t do and one thing they should.
- Do not make your children angry: Parents should not provoke their children to anger but must respect their emotional sensitivity and the natural process towards maturity. How do we do this? We must not impose burdens that children cannot bear by demanding adult behaviors or attitudes. We must respect that they are children and that they are in the formative stage. We will help you with our discipline and loving guidance, but we will not require you to perform perfectly. Parents’ attitude toward children should be one of lifelong love, respect, and appreciation because our children are a gift from God (Psalm 127:3-4).
- Bring them up according to the discipline and instruction of the Lord: Parents must discipline and instruct their children always keeping in mind their value and dignity as human beings. No discipline should humiliate or belittle or be applied when the parent is angry. Discipline and instruction will be done as God does with each one of us: with love, with respect, highlighting and encouraging the potential for good that is in us. Parents must teach their children to love and serve God. This should be done primarily by example, living genuine lives that glorify and honor God.
labor relations
After speaking about the relationship between parents and children, Paul exhorts the servants and their masters. As in the previous section, his advice is for people who had Jesus in their hearts and longed to live lives pleasing to him.
Duties of servants or employees
Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with integrity of heart, as to Christ. Do not do it just when they are looking at you, as those who want to curry human favor, but as slaves of Christ, wholeheartedly doing the will of God. Serve willingly, as one who serves the Lord and not men, knowing that the Lord will reward each one for the good he has done, whether slave or free.
(Ephesians 6:5-8)
In Paul’s time, under the Roman Empire, slavery was a widespread and accepted practice. Among all those who were accepting salvation in Jesus there were slaves, as well as their masters and other people, which affected, to some extent, the treatment between them. In Christ we are free and in him we are all equal. But Paul exhorts slaves to continue their service and work “as unto Christ,” that is, willingly, excellently, and as a service to God.
He explains to them how their work should be and this is something important that we can apply even today. God wants us to treat our bosses and everyone in authority over us the way these verses express.
- With respect and fear, acknowledging their authority.
- With integrity of heart, to work uprightly and without room for reproach.
- As if we were working for Christ.
- Being efficient and industrious always, not only when they are watching us.
- Work from the heart, with love, dedication and appreciation for what we do.
- Gladly, cheerfully and happily.
- Like serving the Lord because he is the one who will give us the reward for the good we have done.
Duties of masters or bosses
And you, masters, correspond to this attitude of your slaves, by ceasing to threaten them. Remember that both they and you have the same Master in heaven, and that with him there is no favoritism.
(Ephesians 6:9)
He tells the masters or chiefs that they must take into account the new attitude of their slaves and brothers in faith. We must remember the value that God gives us and how much he loves us all whether we are servants or masters. At that time, this required a lot of effort, a change of mentality to see the other as a human being loved by God and created in his image.
Chiefs must not threaten or imply an intent to harm their servants. Paul reminds Christian masters that they, too, are under God’s authority and that he views us all as equal. God’s justice and love comes to all, and he wants us to treat everyone else fairly and with kindness.
In the eyes of the Lord we are all valuable. Jesus died on the cross for love of parents, children, servants, masters, and for love of all humanity. Let’s not belittle anyone, let’s treat everyone with respect and honor. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to transform our hearts and help us to see others as God sees them.
This chapter of Ephesians goes on to talk about the armor of God and how important it is to know what it is for and how to use it. When we live filled and guided by the Holy Spirit we see others from God’s perspective and we also find ourselves better prepared to face daily challenges and spiritual warfare.