15 And let the peace of Christ, to which you were also called(A) in one body, rule your hearts. And be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell richly among you, in all wisdom teaching and admonishing one another through psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs,[a] singing to God with gratitude in your hearts. 17 And whatever you do, in word or in deed, do everything in the name(B) of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.

Christ in Your Home

18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.(C) 19 Husbands,(D) love your wives(E) and don’t be bitter(F) toward them. 20 Children,(G) obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. 21 Fathers,(H) do not exasperate(I) your children, so that they won’t become discouraged. 22 Slaves, obey your human(J) masters in everything. Don’t work only while being watched, as people-pleasers, but work wholeheartedly, fearing the Lord.(K) 23 Whatever you do, do it from the heart, as something done for the Lord and not for people,(L) 24 knowing that you will receive the reward of an inheritance from the Lord. You serve the Lord Christ. 25 For the wrongdoer(M) will be paid back for whatever wrong he has done, and there is no favoritism.

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Footnotes

  1. 3:16 Or and songs prompted by the Spirit

15 Let the peace of Christ(A) rule in your hearts, since as members of one body(B) you were called to peace.(C) And be thankful. 16 Let the message of Christ(D) dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom(E) through psalms,(F) hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.(G) 17 And whatever you do,(H) whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks(I) to God the Father through him.

Instructions for Christian Households(J)

18 Wives, submit yourselves to your husbands,(K) as is fitting in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be harsh with them.

20 Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.

21 Fathers,[a] do not embitter your children, or they will become discouraged.

22 Slaves, obey your earthly masters in everything; and do it, not only when their eye is on you and to curry their favor, but with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord. 23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, 24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance(L) from the Lord as a reward.(M) It is the Lord Christ you are serving. 25 Anyone who does wrong will be repaid for their wrongs, and there is no favoritism.(N)

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Footnotes

  1. Colossians 3:21 Or Parents