(a) What advice did Paul give in his Epistle to the Colossians, about family life? (b) In what three ways can the family be firmly established?

(a) Paul's advice on family life in his Epistle to the Colossians (Colossians 3:18-21; cf. 3:12-25)

Paul addressed each member of the household in turn, showing that a Christian home is ordered under the Lord:

• Wives are to submit to their husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.
• Husbands are to love their wives and not be harsh or bitter towards them.
• Children are to obey their parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.
• Fathers (parents) are not to provoke their children, lest they become discouraged.

He set this counsel within a wider call to the whole family to put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, to forgive one another as the Lord forgave them, and above all to put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. Whatever they did, in word or deed, they were to do in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God. In this way the home becomes a place governed by love, mutual respect and the fear of God.

(b) Three ways the family can be firmly established

• Through love, respect and mutual submission. When husband, wife and children love and honour one another, the home is peaceful and united.
• Through the worship of God and prayer. A family that prays together, worships God and lives by His word remains strong and protected.
• Through discipline and good upbringing of children. Training children in godliness, obedience and hard work, while parents show good example, keeps the family stable and productive.