As those who are united with Christ, our relationships with others should change. Paul points out what that will look like in these verses. He deals with husbands and wives, parents and children, and slaves and masters. Wives should submit to their husbands and husbands should love their wives and not be harsh with them. Why? Because it is fitting in the Lord. This means this is what God wants us to do, as those who belong to him. Children should obey their parents and parents should not embitter their children. In doing so, the Lord is pleased, and children do not get discouraged.
Although the last part speaks of slaves and masters, it includes employees and employers as well. Slaves (employees) should sincerely obey their masters (employers). Masters (employers) should treat their slaves (employees) justly and fairly. Christ should be the center of all of our relationships. Mutual respect, the love of Christ, and accountability to God should be the hallmarks of this.
Application: Father, may Christ be the center and focus of all of our relationships. May you be honored and glorified through this.
One Word: Put Christ first in our relationships