Daily Devotional for Wednesday 2nd October
The call to respect and love
Today's passage from Ephesians talks about the importance of relationships, especially between children and parents and between servants (or workers) and masters (or bosses).
Verses 1-3 begin by addressing children, saying, "Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 'Honour your father and mother'—which is the first commandment with a promise—so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth."
As a parent this is one of my favourite verses in the bible and I share it with my children regularly!
But in all seriousness God calls children to obey their parents because this is a way of honouring God. When children respect and listen to their parents, they are learning how to respect others and follow God’s guidance.
But Paul also has something to say to parents too! In verse 4, Paul speaks to fathers (or parents in general), telling them not to provoke their children to anger, but to bring them up with love, discipline, and instruction in the Lord. This is a reminder to us that parenting should be done with care, patience, and love. Parents are to guide their children with kindness, not harshness, reflecting Jesus’ love for us.
In verses 5-9, Paul goes on to address the relationship between servants and masters, which we can apply today to workers and employers. Workers are called to obey their bosses and work with sincerity, as if they are working for Christ, not just for people. Employers are told to treat their workers fairly and with respect, knowing that God is watching both of them. Both workers and bosses are equal in God’s eyes, and He will reward those who do what is right.
These verses remind us that in all areas of life, we should treat others with respect and work with integrity. Whether we are children, parents, workers, or bosses, God cares about how we relate to each other. In doing this, we reflect God’s love and light to the world around us.
Time to reflect…
1. Why do you think is sometimes difficult to honour those with authority over us, like parents or bosses? How can I show more respect and humility in these relationships?
2. As a parent (or someone with influence), am I raising others with love, patience, and godly instruction? How can I encourage and guide others without being too harsh or demanding?
3. In my work, am I serving with sincerity and integrity, as if I’m working for the Lord? How can I improve my attitude or actions to reflect Christ in the way I work and lead?
Pause to pray…
Dear God,
Thank You for teaching us how to live and work with others. Help me to honour and obey those in authority, like our parents and bosses, as a way of honouring You. Please guide parents and leaders to show love, patience, and kindness as they lead and teach. In my work, help me to serve with honesty and a good heart, as if I am working for You.
In Jesus’ name, Amen
