The Lord Jesus Christ not only changes individual lives, but families as well. He is Lord of the family. Under the Lordship of Christ, the man leads as the husband of his wife, the father of his children, and in Bible days as the master of bondservants. His leadership was clear in these relationships. (Col. 3:18-4:1).
A husband is to love his wife as Christ loved the church. That is more than a romantic relationship. The love of Christ is expressed through the life of a Christian husband toward his wife. She submits to him knowing that he wants to please the Lord. "Husbands, love your wives and be not bitter toward them" (Col. 3:19).
A father who loves his children teaches them to obey. His love and discipline does not discourage them. They know how to behave and what is expected of them. He encourages them to do what is right. As the Lord disciplines Christian fathers, so they discipline their own children with loving kindness. "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged" (Col. 3:21).
In Bible days, bondservants were considered part of the family. Their master was the man of the house. As believers, bondservants were to serve as unto the Lord. The master of the house had to remember, "that you also have a Master in heaven" (Col. 4:1).
