“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.” 1 Peter 3:7
Peter had just finished telling wives to submit to husbands. Men, before you puff up with pride, Peter has something for you. Husbands, you are supposed to be considerate and treat your wives with respect.
Many men use the previous verses to demand their wives to be their servants, demanding many things from them. Here it states to be considerate as you live with your wife. Are you demanding a meal on the table at a set time? Do you call for your drinks while watching a game? Do you make your wife train your children? Do you go out with the buddies every night? These are not considerate ways to live; instead, they are selfish ways of living.
Share the responsibilities with your wife. Do not be selfish in all you do. Help her out with the cleaning; with the training the children; giving her time to be with her friends; and many other ways. Treat her as you would want to be treated.
It also states to treat her with respect as the weaker partner. You are to be her support, her strength, and her protector, not her master/dictator. Along with the reason of her being the weaker partner, she is also an heir with you in the salvation God provides. Build her up, do not tear her down. Do not ridicule her. Do not shame her or bring shame to her.
A final reason for doing all these things is to keep from hindering your prayers. It may be that the reason your prayers are not being answered is because you are not treating your wife with respect.
Too often men treat their wives in a rough way. Would you do that to your best friend? She should be your best friend, closer than any other person. Along with being a best friend she is a fellow member with you in God’s household. Treat her with God’s true love and respect.
I pray that today for all husbands (and future husbands) that God will guide you in living correctly with your wife; that God will help you to not be selfish in your ways; that God will help you to respect your wife; and that God will bless your marriage in many ways.
Leave a Reply