In Colossians 3:18-21 St. Paul writes about the Christian family. He did not merely write 3:18 "Wives be subordinate to your husbands, as is proper in The Lord." and stop there.
Instead, knowing that a Christian family contained a father, a mother, and children St. Paul added the following for everyone in the family to get along and know how to treat each other.
3:19 Husbands, love your wives, and avoid any bitterness toward them.
Husbands, love and listen to your wives. They are your life partners. Your wives run the household. They are the glue that keeps everything together. Your respective wife is important in your life and family. Don't abuse her. Don't drive her away from you. She is your other half. Your better half. You depend on her and she depends on you. You complement each other.
3:20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this is pleasing to The Lord.
Children listen to your parents. They love you. They are raising you. You are a gift to them from God. They are grateful to God to have you. They are your first teacher. They teach you right from wrong, as they were taught by their parents, family and culture. When they tell you "no", chances are it's not to be mean. It's because they know something about the situation is wrong. A "no" may be warranted for many reasons. "No, you'll hurt yourself." "No, you'll hurt others." "No, you don't need it." (Want vs. Need; there is a difference).
Fear not children, there is a balance.
3:21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, so they may not become discouraged.
Just like with the wife, do not over do it with the children. One thing is to discipline and teach your child right from wrong. It is a whole other thing to nitpick, harass, and abuse your child. Fathers, when your child has a legitimate complaint, listen to him/her. Pay attention to what is happening in your child's life. Encourage your children to go forth and attempt new skills in life. Do teach them right from wrong. Do discipline them as is needed and within reason. Guide them to being good Christians, good people and good citizens.
Caridad de las Mercedes
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