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. – Ephesians 6:9 

When we think of slaves, we think of them in modern-day terms.  But first-century slavery was very different.  In fact, some slaves were better off than free people.  But either way, the command here is for masters to treat their slaves ‘in the same way’.  This refers to previous verses where slaves are told to obey and respect their masters, just as you would obey Christ.  So, the instruction here for masters, then, is to respect their slaves.   

This is because the masters themselves are slaves to Jesus, and Jesus treats us all equally.  He didn’t just die on the cross for the ‘good people’, he died on the cross for the sinners.  God, as our master, doesn’t show favouritism.  And so, we shouldn’t pick and choose who we’re going to do right by, who we’re going to show God’s love to. 

We might not have actual slaves in our lives, but we will potentially have children, or workers who report to us, or team members that we captain/lead.  What would it look like for us to treat all these people equally and with respect? 

We must start by humbling ourselves before our ultimate master: 

Dear heavenly father, I confess that I don’t treat everyone equally and too often I put myself above others.  Help me today to show your love in my interactions with others.  Give me grace for the relationships I find difficult, protect the relationships I hold dear, and deepen my relationship with you, Lord.  I ask this in Jesus’ name, by the power of the Holy Spirit, amen. 

Janet Sutton – Creek Road Campus