Colossians 3:18–4:1

Personal Relations in the New Life

^18*Wives, submit 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. ^23*Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as though you were working for the Lord and not for human beings. ^24*Remember 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 wrongdoers will be repaid for the wrong things they do, because God judges everyone by the same standard.

4^*Masters, be fair and just in the way you treat your slaves. Remember that you too have a Master in heaven.