1 Peter 3:7 (2/3)

Review:  We saw that you should be respectful and hardworking when it comes to your employer, local leaders, and national leaders.  Then in the same way, wives were to act the same way towards their husbands as well as working to cultivate a godly character over outward appearances.  Now we will move on to the husbands.

Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered.

~ 1 Peter 3:7

Husbands, your turn.

When you interact with your wife, you should be understanding towards them.  They are working hard for you and being respectful towards you.  You need to understand how much of their energy goes towards supporting you.  So everything you say and do should reflect the honor back to them.  Show them respect and treat them respectfully.  They are not as physically strong as you so losing your temper could really hurt them.  Allowing others to hurt them when they rely on your protection is also not good.  After all, you are in this together.

Why do all this?  If just not loving her is enough, then do so for another Christian reason.  So "that your prayers may not be hindered."

We looked at in a previous post that how you judge others is how you will be judged.  If you show others mercy, then God will show you mercy.  If you are harsh, laying down the law on others around you.  Then you condemn yourself by the same law.  Also, if you refuse to forgive others, then God can't forgive you.  The bitterness or anger that exists causing you to not forgive stands between you and God by your own choice.

So how you treat your wife reflects on you with God.  Living life as good and respectfully of others as you can, including in concern with your wife, is reciprocated by God towards you.  Not out of obligation for God is obligated to no one, but because He loves you.