1 Peter 3:1-12
Wives
In today’s reading I noticed something that can be very difficult for wives to hear today, but we have a command from God and God will honor our faithfulness. Verse 1-2 states, “Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, when they observe your chaste conduct accompanied by fear.” We are called to be submissive first of all. As I have mentioned before that does not mean that husbands are to lord over their wives, but we should submit to their direction and guidance as the head of our homes.
Peter indicated even when husbands do not obey the word, God’s word, that they will be won by the conduct of their wives. Ladies that is a heavy responsibility that God is placing on those that have a spouse not following God’s word. However, for those living in those relationships the reward in seeing your husband come to follow the Lord because of your faithfulness will be worth it. I pray for those in this particular situation that you would be encouraged to stay the course God has before you.
In addition, the words that are expressed that we are not to merely worry about our outward appearance, “rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirt, which is very precious in the sight of God.” God looks at the inner heart not our outward appearance. To have a gentle and quiet spirit is precious to God. This reminds me of the Proverbs 31 woman in which, “Her husband is known in the gates, When he sits among the elders of the land.” She is known for her good works and because of her good works her husband is known and respected.
“Strength and honor are her clothing; She shall rejoice in time to come. She opens her mouth with wisdom, and on her tongue is the law of kindness.” Proverbs 31:25-26 There is so much in proverbs 31 for us ladies to learn and grow in. My prayer is that we walk with fear of the Lord only. “Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing, But a woman who fears the LORD, she shall be praised.” Proverbs 31:30 I want to be known as a woman who fears the Lord, and a woman praised for her good works and deeds, because of the mighty hand of God that is upon me.
Husbands
Now to husbands Peter writes, they are to dwell with their wives with understanding, giving honor to them. A man that honors and understands his wife will be blessed. Peter mentions that they are the weaker vessel and I believe this is two-fold. First more often physically we are weaker than men which is by design. Men were made to tend the fields and animals, which was hard work. Woman were designed to bear children and take care of the needs of the children. This in my opinion is not a weakness however the fact that raising children takes a gentleness and nurturing hand, to take care of the children. In addition, I believe woman can take things more personal, especially words spoken. Woman can perceive things that a man may not. Yet with all of this, men are to understand and honor us. Together we are heirs of the grace of life. God made us different and unique and that is a blessing.
All of You
“Finally, all of you be of one mind, having compassion for one another; love as brothers, be tenderhearted, be courteous; not returning evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary blessing, knowing that you were called to this, that you may inherit a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9
We are called to have compassion for one another, loving each other as brothers and sisters. We have a calling on our lives to live differently and be set apart. There should not be evil or reviling among His children. In fact, we should be blessing each other. That is our calling. Our calling to bless one another. This could be with a word of encouragement which is so critical in this day. It could be financially for those we know are struggling. We could bless people with our time and spending time with those that may not have another around. We can bless others in deeds and actions. My prayer is that we would all be a blessing to one another on a daily basis. Pray that God would show you who, how, when and where. He will reveal all these things.