Ezekiel 47-48 / 1 Peter 2:11-3:7 / Psalm 119:49-64 / Proverbs 28:12-13
Relationships are what form our character and worldview. How we treat others proves our character and worldview. We learn more effectively when we can practice what we’re learning with others. It does no good to read about concepts in books but never walk out those concepts.
Our first relationships are those in our home. First, the home in which we were raised, then the home in which we are adults and have our own families. Some of us are single, some are married, and some have children. The most foundational of relationships in our adult home begins with our spouse, our husband or wife. It is this relationship that tests us, builds character, and shows to others either how we should or should not treat one another.
The Bible is helpful in teaching us how to treat one another and speaks about many different relational scenarios from parents with their children to bosses toward their workers. If you want to know how to treat others, you likely have an innate sense of that, but if you are unsure, the Word of God gives plenty of instruction.
1 Peter 3:1-7 speaks about the relationship between husbands and wives. Whether you are the husband or wife, be careful not to look only at how the other ought to be treating you. Look also at how you ought to be treating your spouse. Verse 1 tells wives to accept the authority of your husbands. In doing so, your godly lives will speak to them without any words.
Verse 7 tells husbands to give honor to your wives, treat her with understanding as you live together. Husbands are to treat their wives as equal partners. And they are to treat their wives as they should so that their prayers will not be hindered.
There are benefits in wives treating husbands a certain way and in husbands treating wives in a certain way. Wives be respectful and draw your husband into a relationship with Christ. In being honoring we are encouraging our husbands to submit to Jesus Christ. Husbands give honor to your wives so that your prayers will be answered.
What does it mean for a wife to accept the authority of her husband? The Strong’s Concordance in one of the meanings of the word submit says, “to order under” or “to arrange under”. This is a military term that is valuable in a family setting. When a wife arranges herself under her husband, she is partnering with him and being protected by him. Some see this role as demeaning, but it is not. It is a place of serving together and a place of safety.
What does it mean for a husband to honor his wife? The Strong’s Concordance says honor is to value, reverence and count as precious. The husband is not being the boss of the wife; he is partnering with her in a loving way. He sees her as his equal. And it’s to his benefit to do this because as he honors his wife the Lord will answer his prayers. I think I would do everything possible to give my husband a reason to treasure me because I want his prayers to be answered!
As the children see their parents treating one another with honor and love, they will feel safe and secure and will want to model this behavior toward others. No family does this perfectly but those who try will be richly rewarded for their hard work in treating others the way God desires.
If you are having relational problems in your life, check to be sure you are showing honor, love, and respect to those around you. 1 Peter 2:18-25 addresses the fact that we should do good even to those who are cruel. Relationships are both difficult and rewarding but when done God’s way, you will certainly find your life richer.
