Respect!
Opening Prayer
Thank God for his great love and then ask God for his help to see others as he sees them.
Read Ephesians 6:1-9
[1] Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. [2] “Honor your father and mother”-which is the first commandment with a promise- [3] “so that it may go well with you and that you may enjoy long life on the earth.” [4] Fathers, do not exasperate your children; instead, bring them up in the training and instruction of the Lord. [5] Slaves, obey your earthly masters with respect and fear, and with sincerity of heart, just as you would obey Christ. [6] Obey them not only to win their favor when their eye is on you, but as slaves of Christ, doing the will of God from your heart. [7] Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not people, [8] because you know that the Lord will reward each one for whatever good they do, whether they are slave or free. [9] And masters, treat your slaves in the same way. Do not threaten them, since you know that he who is both their Master and yours is in heaven, and there is no favoritism with him. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What good advice is given to parents here?There used to be a radio series on disability that highlighted a common attitude to those with a disability: ignoring them! In contrast, Paul has written his letter to the whole church. Having addressed the responsibilities of couples, speaking to women as well as men, here he addresses children and slaves directly. In the Roman Empire, these groups were treated as unworthy of attention; yet Paul speaks to them as full members of the church. Responsibility is the key word in Paul’s view of relationships. Today the focus tends to be on rights, and it is, of course, good to give rights to those who cannot defend themselves. However, to treat people as humans, created in God’s image, is to acknowledge that they have responsibilities, also. So, Paul considers the responsibilities of the children as well as the parents, and the responsibilities of the slaves as well as the masters. It is difficult today to realize how radical Paul’s view was in the Roman Empire where authority was enforced with brutality. Paul’s view of a society with different roles, yet reciprocal responsibilities, is an amazing reflection of the God who, indeed, has no favorites (9).
Apply
Does God’s acceptance of everyone challenge your attitude to any group in society? If so, what changes will you make?
Closing prayer
Lord, show me how to acknowledge the worth of all people and exercise my responsibilities as well as my rights.
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