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1 Peter 3:7
As the Apostle Peter has given instruction to the wives in 1 Peter 3:1-6, he now gives instruction to the husbands in verse 7. It is important that we understand that the woman/wife was not always considered as an equal partner in marriage, but as a possession of the man/husband. Peter breaks this view in teaching that the husbands should “likewise” (which once again reflects us back to 1 Peter 2:21-23 in displaying Christ Jesus as the example to follow, not just for the wife but for the husband as well) live with the wives giving understanding to her needs, and to honor the wife. Peter notes the wife as being the “weaker vessel” and does so in understanding of physical strength in that the husband is to be the protector of his wife, never causing her physical harm but ensuring the well being of his wife. Peter says that together the husband and wife are heirs of the grace of life. What is the “grace of life?” It is God’s gift of life, not just physical life which we all have been given, but the grace that God offers to us in the forgiveness of our sins through Christ Jesus that gives eternal life. The husband is required to give respect and honor to his wife in reflecting his new life in Christ Jesus. Peter tells us that the prayers of the husband will not be hindered if he respects his duties as the husband in the eyes of God.
This is an example of the conduct instructed for the husbands who are believers in Christ Jesus.
Because the husband is stronger than his wife does not give him the right to dominate her physically, but just the opposite, he should in all his might be her protector. The love between a husband and wife should be the strongest bond on earth other than one’s relationship with God through salvation in Jesus Christ which strengthens the bond of marriage. I often refer to the words of Jesus in John 13:34-35, and it holds true for the relationship between the husband and wife. Jesus states (NKJV), “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another.”
It is against the sinful nature of man to want to share all he is with anyone else, but the Christian man is to put the sinful nature behind him in his new life in Christ Jesus. All that a man is should be focused at pleasing God and caring for his wife and family. In caring for the wife, the husband builds his relationship with God and his prayers will not be hindered – husbands, this is very important in your salvation. You are to give honor to your wife with understanding of her needs that are and should be together with your needs – in Christ.
Dear LORD,
We have learned of the conduct for the husband and the wife as it is instructed to be in Christ. We may or may not agree with the things in which the Apostle Peter has taught us in this matter, but it is not for us to choose which parts of Your instructions we are going to follow, but that in submission to You and our salvation in Christ Jesus, we should follow all the instructions that You give to us so that You will hear our prayers and so that You will be glorified through our lives. Please let it be so. In Jesus name I pray, amen.