Reflecting God in Our Marriages [1 Peter 3]

 1In the same way, you wives, be submissive to your own husbands so that even if any of them are disobedient to the word, they may be won by the behavior of their wives, 2as they observe your chaste and respectful behavior. 3Your adornment must not be merely external--braiding the hair, and wearing gold jewelry, or putting on dresses; 4but let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the imperishable quality of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is precious in the sight of God. 5For in this way in former times the holy women also, who hoped in God, used to adorn themselves, being submissive to their own husbands; 6just as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord, and you have become her children if you do what is right without being frightened by any fear.

 7You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.

 8To sum up, all of you be harmonious, sympathetic, brotherly, kindhearted, and humble in spirit; 9not returning evil for evil or insult for insult, but giving a blessing instead; for you were called for the very purpose that you might inherit a blessing."

This is a familiar passage when thinking about how a marriage reflects God's character. It starts with "in the same way" which refers to the previous verses.  As we look back we see that the "same way" is the way Christ endured suffering.  He committed Himself to the One who judges justly. He didn't throw out insults or threaten when He was reviled.  God left us this passage to help a marriage that has a hard situation.  The husband may be "disobedient to the word" at a certain time or all the time, but God is still calling the wife to endure the suffering by being submissive. (This word literally is a military term that means to find one's place order.)  She doesn't get to usurp his authority just because he is wrong. 


My favorite part of this passage the example tucked in the middle of Sarah and former holy women.  They were able to be submissive to their husbands because they "hoped in God."  I want to be a wife who hopes in God instead of my husband making the right decisions or to live with me in an understanding and considerate way.  God is completely trustworthy and He is good. He is able to do above and beyond what I can think or imagine.  He is able to win my husband "without a word."


Thank You, for Christ's example of suffering.  I praise you that You are gentle and quiet (tranquil, at one in spirit) and that it is precious to You when that is reflected in me.  You are One who can be hoped in without any disappointment. 

 



  

 

Verna McCrillis, 9/17/2009