Scripture

In the same way, you husbands must give honour to your wives, Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.

Observation

Wives are to live under the authority of their husbands. They are to live godly lives in order to win their husbands over to the gospel without words. They should not be concerned with expensive jewellery, fancy hairstyles or beautiful clothes. Rather, they should clothe themselves with a gentle spirit.

Husbands must honour their wives, She may be physically weaker, but she is an equal partner in God’s gift of new life.

Application

It is odd that many Christians go for the Ephesians 5 prescription for marriage but overlook this passage.

Peter tells women to have a gentle spirit and to focus on their spiritual development rather than on the outward expression of clothes, hairstyles and jewellery.

Peter makes it clear that a man’s wife is his equal partner in the gift of new life. There is no lording over suggested here.

Men are to honour their wives. That means that we should build them up with our words, rather than tearing them down, We are to treat our wives with the same love, grace, and gentleness that God treats us with.

If we treat our wives properly, then our prayers will not be hindered. Paul tells us that marriage is a representation of the unity of the church with Christ. If we want to take part in that communion, then we need to make sure that our attitudes to our wives are appropriate.

Prayer

Thank you, Lord, for the gift and the challenge of marriage. Please help me to honour my spouse always. Amen.

Scripture

For God has called you to do good, even if it means suffering, just as Christ suffered for you. He is your example and you must follow in his steps.

Observation

Regardless of the cost, we are to do good. The calling on our lives is to follow Christ in His example and in His suffering. He didn’t sin or deceive anyone. He never retaliated when insulted, or threatened revenge. He carried our sins on the cross in his body so that we can be dead to sin. By his wounds we are healed – in body, soul and spirit.

We were once like sheep who had strayed away, but now we follow the Good Shepherd, the guardian of our souls

Application

The world hates virtue and promotes evil. It is entirely surrendered into the hands of satan.

Therefore we should not be surprised that following Christ brings about suffering. Just as Jesus suffered for being perfectly obedient to the Father, we too can expect to be treated unfairly when we take seriously the call to follow Jesus.

To walk in the way of Jesus means that we avoid sin, deception, revenge and all such things. We are to radiate the holiness and love of God in every situation.

People will get angry or cynical towards us, but others will see the joy of being a christian and will be attracted. The important thing is that we aim to be faithful to Jesus in all we do.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, you have given us the example of Jesus to show us how to live. Please help me to be obedient you all the time. Amen.