Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord.
2 "Honor your father and mother"-which is the first commandment with a promise-
3 "so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
4 Fathers,
5 Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ.
6 Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart.
Finally, all of you, live in harmony with one another; be sympathetic, love as brothers, be compassionate and humble.
Read all of 1 Peter 3 NIVLove must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.
Read all of Romans 12 NIVAbove all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.
Read all of 1 Peter 4 NIVToday in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.
Read all of Luke 2 NIVLive a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.
Read all of Ephesians 5 NIVSeek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.
Read all of Matthew 6 NIVThough the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines, though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food, though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the LORD, I will be joyful in God my Savior.
Read all of Habakkuk 3 NIV
Commentary on Today's Verse
Commentary on Ephesians 6:1-4
(Read Ephesians 6:1-4)
The great duty of children is, to obey their parents. That obedience includes inward reverence, as well as outward acts, and in every age prosperity has attended those distinguished for obedience to parents. The duty of parents. Be not impatient; use no unreasonable severities. Deal prudently and wisely with children; convince their judgements and work upon their reason. Bring them up well; under proper and compassionate correction; and in the knowledge of the duty God requires. Often is this duty neglected, even among professors of the gospel. Many set their children against religion; but this does not excuse the children's disobedience, though it may be awfully occasion it. God alone can change the heart, yet he gives his blessing to the good lessons and examples of parents, and answers their prayers. But those, whose chief anxiety is that their children should be rich and accomplished, whatever becomes of their souls, must not look for the blessing of God.