Do things from the heart

In Colossians 3:18-25 the apostle Paul tells us about the social duties that arise in our new life as believers. In the previous verses, he also speaks about our old life and the one we live now after receiving Christ. In other words, everything in this passage is connected: who we were before Christ, what the gospel has produced in us, and how we must now conduct ourselves as new creations. Paul wants the church to understand that the Christian life is not merely a belief system but a transformation that should be evident in daily behavior, relationships, and attitudes.

In this same chapter of Colossians, specifically from verse 18 to 25, Paul establishes a series of ordinances addressed to the church about how they should live now that they have come to Christ. He does not speak in abstract ideas but gives very concrete instructions, touching every role and every relationship within the Christian household. He addresses married women, husbands, children, parents, and servants. In these brief verses, he speaks to all kinds of people about their daily duties, reminding them that they should no longer behave as they did before Christ, because the gospel produces a radical change in the character and in the way we treat one another.

Are you a believer? Then your behavior should reflect Christ. You should not treat your spouse harshly or respond to others with anger. When Christ truly comes into the life of a person, that life is transformed from the inside out. We can no longer be the kind of people who react with bitterness, impatience, or pride. Instead, we are called to display love, tenderness, and self-control. This is why Paul gives specific instructions that touch the deepest areas of human behavior. Let us look carefully at those instructions:

18 Wives, submit yourselves unto your own husbands, as it is fit in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives, and be not bitter against them.

20 Children, obey your parents in all things: for this is well pleasing unto the Lord.

21 Fathers, provoke not your children to anger, lest they be discouraged.

22 Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh; not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but in singleness of heart, fearing God;

23 And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;

Colossians 3:18-23

Paul begins by speaking to wives, reminding them to submit to their husbands “as is fitting in the Lord.” This submission is not humiliation nor inferiority, but a voluntary act of love and respect rooted in the gospel. Then he addresses husbands, giving them a command that goes far beyond cultural expectations: “love your wives and do not be bitter against them.” A man transformed by Christ does not dominate nor mistreat his wife; he loves her with gentleness, patience, and honor.

Paul then addresses children, the youngest and perhaps least expected audience in an ancient letter. He tells them to obey their parents in everything, because this pleases the Lord. In a world where rebellion is often celebrated, the Scriptures remind us that obedience is a sign of wisdom and godliness.

Next, Paul speaks to fathers—those who often held absolute authority in ancient households. Yet the apostle warns them not to provoke their children, not to discourage them with harsh words or unreasonable expectations. Godly authority is never abusive; it nurtures, guides, and edifies.

Finally, Paul addresses servants, teaching them that their work must be done with sincerity, not merely to please people when being watched. This instruction elevates daily labor into an act of worship. Their service is ultimately “unto the Lord,” which means that every task—however simple—can be done with dignity, joy, and purpose.

And then Paul concludes with a principle that applies to every believer, regardless of position or responsibility: “And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men.” This is the heart of Christian ethics. Everything we do—how we love, how we obey, how we work—must flow from a heart that seeks to honor Christ. When we live this way, the smallest act becomes meaningful, and the most difficult duty becomes a testimony of God’s grace working in us.

Are you a father, a son, a wife, an employee? Then do all things with love, from the heart, as unto the Lord and not unto men, knowing that the Lord sees your efforts and that His reward is far greater than anything this world can offer.