Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered. —1 Peter 3:7 (ESV)

We must take seriously that God’s Word tells us to live with our wives in an understanding way, respecting them and granting them honor. These are not suggestions. They are commands.

If you are married, your wife is your God-given assignment. I have been married to Nanci for over 40 years, and I still am learning things about her. This is both a mystery and a delight. I seek not to dominate her, but to protect her, help her and honor her.

Nanci is a godly woman, a wonderful wife and grandmother, and my best friend. But sometimes I fail her. When I do this, 1 Peter 3:7 reminds me, it affects my relationship with God. This passage says God will not honor the prayers of a man who does not honor his wife.

Goethe wrote, “When a wife has a good husband, it is easily seen in her face.” A man should desire that others would see his love for her written upon her face. Her husband’s love should advertise the gospel on her countenance.

• If your relationship is not what it should be, how willing are you to get help?
• What if it costs time and money for counseling or a marriage conference?
• Are you willing to invest in your marriage?
• If not, what does that say about what’s most important to you?

Further resource: The Resolution for Men by Stephen and Alex Kendrick, with Randy Alcorn as contributor

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