Wednesday, August 25

Understanding and respect

Scripture: Jeremiah 49-50, 1 Peter 3

1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

Observation

After giving instructions to Christian wives, Peter turns to the husbands.  “In the same way,” he says, indicating a mutuality in Christian marriage that was unheard of in pagan culture.  The Message translates it: “The same goes for you husbands: Be good husbands to your wives.”  In Christian marriage, both parties are responsible to give their best to the other.

Contrary to popular misunderstanding, the Christian faith elevated the status of women.  In this passage Peter acknowledged their weaker status culturally but insisted that they are co-heirs of life with their husbands, making them equal.  The Message again: “Honor them, delight in them. As women they lack some of your advantages. But in the new life of God’s grace, you’re equals. Treat your wives, then, as equals so your prayers don’t run aground.”

Peter tells husbands to do things.

First, be considerate; literally, live with understanding.  Be understanding, considerate. 

Second, treat them with respect.  

Then he gets our attention!  Do this “so that nothing will hinder your prayers.”  Peter connects the way we treat our wives with our relationship with God.  Failure to love our wives hinders our prayers, interferes with our relationship with God.  This is how much our marriage relationship matters to God!  It’s as though He is saying, “If you mistreat your wife, I’m not listening to you—go fix that first, then come pray.”  

Application

Pretty obvious: today, I want to treat Laina with understanding and respect—and enjoy unhindered relationship with God.

Prayer: Lord, I’m very grateful for my wife and the wonderful relationship we share.  Help me today (and every day) to be understanding and treat her with respect.  And when I fail, get my attention quickly so I can correct it.