“Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord. Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.”

Colossians 3:18-21

The Family Unit: one of the three (Church, Family, Government) institutions that God has given to man.

• The Church: for the spiritual oversight and propagation of the gospel of Christ Jesus. (I Tim. 3:15, Eph. 4:11-15)
• The Family: marriage (holy matrimony). God’s wonderful plan for man to be fruitful and multiply. (Gen. 1:28, Eph. 5:22-33, John 2:1-11, I Peter 3:1-7, I Tim. 2:8-15, Titus 2:1-4, I Tim. 5:14, Eph. 6:1-4)
• The Government: Rules, laws, and regulations to produce a civil and godly society; whereby we may lead a quiet and peaceable life. (I Tim. 2:2, Rom. 13:1-7)

 Wives: to be submissive to the husband. (Webster’s 1828 dictionary: To yield, resign or surrender to the power, will or authority of another.) This definition is as well: men are to be to the Lord and those in authority. Wives are to obey the husband. In this writer’s opinion, as long it is not sinful or places wives in harm’s way (law to intervene). God is first to obey (His word) and wives are to be cherished, not harmed. (“…as it is fit in the Lord.”) Under the context of this verse, wives who submit to their husbands are doing exactly what is pleasing to the Lord. Just as the church is subject to Christ. (Important Note: see references above under family)

 Husbands: (“…love your wives,…”) Wives are to be cherished and nourished, just as the husband does for himself. Also, as Christ cares for His church (saints). (“…and be not bitter against them.”) One thing that husbands do have trouble with is indeed getting bitter against the wife. She can’t keep the house, she’s a slob, she can’t cook, she’s lazy, on and on it goes. Might try looking in the mirror, friend. (Important Note: see references above under family)

 Children: (“…obey your parents…”) Simple instructions: kids do not be self-willed, stubborn, or rebellious. Do quickly and respectfully what mom and dad tell you.This pleases our mighty and benevolent Saviour Christ Jesus.Now, again if it is sin or harm’s way, it is a matter for the law. (Important Note: see references above under family)

 Father: husbands that are blessed with children from the Lord. (Ps. 127, Ps. 128) Fathers do not intimidate their children. Fun, games and playing time is fine but not to the point of offending your children and they become despondent. We ought to be striving to raise them up in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. (Important Note: see references above under family)

 (“Yet setteth he the poor on high from affliction, and maketh him families like a flock. The righteous shall see it, and rejoice: and all iniquity shall stop her mouth. Whoso is wise, and will observe these things, even they shall understand the lovingkindness of the Lord.” Ps. 107:41-43)