Note 11 at Col. 4:1: In Colossians 3:22-25, slaves are told to serve their masters heartily as unto the Lord. That would translate into telling employees to have a good work ethic towards their employers.

In this verse, masters (employers) are instructed to be just and fair, knowing that the real Master of every man is in heaven and He exists above all and judges the affairs of men.

Paul is establishing a relationship between the way we treat those who are serving under us and the way we are treated by our Master, the Lord Jesus Christ. This same thing is said in other scriptures. Luke 6:38 says, "...For with the same measure that ye mete withal, it shall be measured to you again." Galatians 6:7 says, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: For whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap."

Although men often fail to make the connection, there is a definite link between the way we are treated and the way we treat others. That should cause us to be more merciful.