Ephesians 6:1 Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. 2 “Honor your father and mother” (this is the first commandment with a promise), 3 “that it may go well with you and that you may live long in the land.” 4 Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger, but bring them up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord.
It's no surprise that if the husbands and wives were having issues in this church that they children would as well. Living with the stresses and uncertainties of rebellious women and complacent fathers left them "pushing the limits" and struggling to find their own way in relationships. But that was not to be used as an excuse, as they also had to keep in mind their role in the Family of God. When we have our relationship with Him right, that affects the way we handle our relationships in earthly responsibilities. Parents - especially fathers - are to react to their children with the same mercy and grace God has shown them, and not try to subdue them with hard hearts, harsh words, and a passive spirit. As we all know from church gatherings and fellowships, misbehaving children can disrupt and distract in worship and sharing in the goodness of God. That is Paul's main concern here - anything that sidelines God's people from being able to focus on worshipping and serving Him.
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