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].