Paul repeats here what he wrote in Ephesians 5 and 6, regarding the roles of family members as well as slaves and masters (today we can apply his teaching to employee and employer). It is easy to be a submissive wife if the wife serves a loving husband. Children are more likely to obey their fathers if their fathers are not harsh with them. Servants/slaves/employees are to serve those they work for with sincerity of heart and reverence for the Lord.

As we seek to serve others, we do so as if we work for the Lord, and knowing that our inheritance is in heaven. If we have difficult relationships, we should see beyond the frustration of our temporary encounters (even if they are ongoing), and wait eagerly for the Father's "Well done" when we see him face to face in heaven. For others will be judged for their wrongdoing--we can leave judgment in the hands of God, and seek his will on earth in all we do.