(a) What were Paul's views in his letter to the Colossians on interpersonal relationships in the Christian family? (b) Mention four ways of avoiding conflic...

Answer Details

(a) Paul's views on interpersonal relationships in the Christian family (Colossians 3:18-21; 3:12-14)

In his letter to the Colossians, Paul set out the duties that members of a Christian household owe one another, so that the family reflects the character of Christ. He first urged all believers to put on compassion, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, to bear with one another, to forgive one another, and above all to put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. He then addressed each member:

• Wives: "Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord." The wife is to respect and be subject to her husband in a manner befitting Christian conduct.
• Husbands: "Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them." The husband must love his wife genuinely and never be bitter, cruel or overbearing toward her.
• Children: "Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord." Children are to give obedience and honour to their parents.
• Fathers (parents): "Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged." Parents must not exasperate or embitter their children but train them with fairness and encouragement.

Paul's central view is that each member has mutual, reciprocal duties, all to be carried out "in the Lord," with love, respect and consideration so that peace reigns in the home.

(b) Four ways of avoiding conflicts in the family

1. Mutual love and respect: Every member should genuinely love and respect the others, treating them with kindness and consideration.
2. Effective communication and understanding: Family members should discuss issues openly, listen to one another and seek to understand different viewpoints rather than quarrel.
3. Forgiveness and tolerance: Members should be ready to forgive offences, bear with one another's weaknesses and not hold grudges.
4. Fulfilling one's responsibilities and submitting to God: Each person should faithfully carry out his or her God-given role and keep the family devoted to prayer and the fear of God, which promotes unity and peace.