Colossians 3:17-4:5

Amplified Bible

¹⁷ Whatever you do [no matter what it is] in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus [and in dependence on Him], giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Family Relations

¹⁸ Wives, be ^[a]subject to your husbands [out of respect for their position as protector, and their accountability to God], as is proper and ^[b]fitting in the Lord. ¹⁹ Husbands, love your wives [with an affectionate, sympathetic, selfless love that always seeks the best for them] and do not be embittered or resentful toward them [because of the responsibilities of marriage]. ²⁰ Children, obey your parents [as God’s representatives] in all things, for this [attitude of respect and obedience] is well-pleasing ^[c]to the Lord [and will bring you God’s promised blessings]. ²¹ Fathers, do not provoke or irritate or exasperate your children [with demands that are trivial or unreasonable or humiliating or abusive; nor by favoritism or indifference; treat them tenderly with lovingkindness], so they will not lose heart and become discouraged or unmotivated [with their spirits broken].

²² Servants, in everything obey those who are your masters on earth, not only with external service, as those who merely please people, but with sincerity of heart because of your fear of the Lord. ²³ Whatever you do [whatever your task may be], work from the soul [that is, put in your very best effort], as [something done] for the Lord and not for men, ²⁴ knowing [with all certainty] that it is from the Lord [not from men] that you will receive the inheritance which is your [greatest] reward. It is the Lord Christ whom you [actually] serve. ²⁵ For he who does wrong will be punished for his wrongdoing, and [with God] there is no partiality [no special treatment based on a person’s position in life].

Fellow Workers

4 Masters, [on your part] deal with your slaves justly and fairly, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.^(A)

² Be persistent and devoted to prayer, being alert and focused in your prayer life with an attitude of thanksgiving. ³ At the same time pray for us, too, that God will open a door [of opportunity] to us for the word, to proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I have been imprisoned; ⁴ that I may make it clear [and speak boldly and unfold the mystery] in the way I should.

⁵ Conduct yourself with wisdom in your interactions with outsiders (non-believers), make the most of each opportunity [treating it as something precious].