SCRIPTURE: 1 Peter 3:1-12
OBSERVATION:
Peter is encouraging wives (and husbands) to imitate Christ’s humble love in submitting to their spouses to win them over. He urges husbands to be considerate and respectful, another way of saying “be humble” given the way men treated their wives in that culture. He summarizes, “live in harmony,be sympathetic, love, be compassionate and humble!” (v.8)
Peter urges wives (and by implication everyone) to not focus on externals, but to devote their hearts to their inner character, the unfading beauty (or strength) of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” (v.4).
The phrase “weaker partner” is literally a “weak vessel”, but not weak as inferior but weak as in fragile, precious, like a precious vase that ought to be treated with consideration and respect for its value.
APPLICATION:
Contrary to what our nature thinks, God’s way of dealing with sin, cruelty or injustice is humility, servanthood, respectful behavior. This is how Jesus saved us, and this is how we are to live as Christ-followers. The problem is it seems so weak, so contrary to good sense.
We live in a culture that focuses on externals. I can get so wrapped up in what people think of me, instead of being concerned for what God values (a gentle and quiet spirit). How much do we spend on clothing, on appearances, on making an impression, when God looks at the heart (1 Samuel 16:7).
The curse of sin is a twisted relationship between men and women. It has even twisted how some people read the Bible. We must always read the Biblical expressions with grace and in the context of love. There is no room for oppression, cruelty or inferiority. Men and women are equal partners and heirs in the gracious gift of life!
Men should note that unhealthy treatment of their wives will hinder their prayers, i.e. affect their relationship with the Lord!
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to have a humble heart, especially in relation to my wife and family, but also in relation to my neighbor. Help me to trust you that a gentle, quiet spirit is the best way to live in this world! Amen.
Passages about husbands and wives I love to read and my wife knows it, especially Proverbs 31:-) The passage of today once again emphasizes that it is what is on the inside that counts! The issues of life are from the heart and what is in the heart comes to the surface. Both husbands and wives must desire to do well, pleasing the Lord. And prayer is a main ingredient in that relationship. When a husband can pray together with his wife, there is no greater blessing. One pledges his/her troth to the other. Do good. Beauty is our relationship to the Lord. As far as it depends upon me, live at peace with all mankind. This way, I can be a blessing not only to my wife , but to all those I am in contact with. That’s living for Jesus. Lord, use me as an instrument of Your peace also this day.
Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.