Chapter 34

Common Relationships

Sections

The Bible contains discerning insights and directions regarding our relationships with those who we have the most contact with. As such these teachings are among the ones which are the most often applicable in our lives.

Spouses

Husbands should love their wives

Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her … 33Nevertheless, each one of you must also love his own wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.   Ephesians 5:25, 33 NET

Wives should submit to their husbands

Wives, submit to your husbands as to the Lord.   Ephesians 5:22 GNT

Do not commit adultery

You shall not commit adultery.   Exodus 20:14 NET

Parents and Children

Parents should care for their children

[Paul, to believers:] Instead, we were gentle when we were with you, like a mother taking care of her children.   1 Thessalonians 2:7b GW

Parents should teach their children about God and his deeds, inspiring them to trust and obey God

[A psalmist:] … we’ll declare to the next generation the praises of the Lord; his might and awesome deeds that he has performed. … 7Then they will put their trust in God and they will not forget his awesome deeds. Instead, they will keep his commandments.   Psalms 78:4b, 7 ISV

Children are to honor their parents

“Honor your father and mother,” which is the first commandment accompanied by a promise, namely, 3“that it may go well with you and that you will live a long time on the earth.”   Ephesians 6:2-3 NET

Children are to obey their parents

Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to the Lord   Colossians 3:20 NET

Citizens and Governing Authorities

Citizens should obey the governing authorities, which are established by God

Obey the rulers who have authority over you. Only God can give authority to anyone, and he puts these rulers in their places of power.   Romans 13:1 CEV

Governing authorities should act and rule according to God’s laws

[Moses, to the Israelites:] If the king completely obeys the Lord’s commands, he and his descendants will rule Israel for many years.   Deuteronomy 17:19-20b CEV

Servants and Masters

Servants should be obedient

Slaves, you must always obey your earthly masters. Try to please them at all times, and not just when you think they are watching. Honor the Lord and serve your masters with your whole heart.   Colossians 3:22 CEV

Masters must treat servants justly

Masters, treat your slaves with justice and fairness, for you know that you also have a Master in heaven.   Colossians 4:1 NET

Pray for persecuted Christians