1 Peter 3:7 Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers.

This is an enormously practical and helpful Scripture for any husband. Particularly for the time in which it was written it was enormously advanced. There has been a lot of discussion as to what “weaker vessel” is all about, because in some areas women are actually stronger than men, but I think it’s fairly obvious that it’s talking about physical strength. After all, in the 1st Century there were no motors of any sort to do anything, so wind and water were the only alternatives to human or animal muscle power. The thing is, greater muscle strength in men has led to all sorts of aberrations, most especially physical abuse. What is revolutionary about this verse is Peter’s saying that husbands must respect their wives, going so far as to say they are equal heirs of God’s grace. Even today, in many countries the average husband has little or no respect for his wife, or wives. Women are seen as accessory to men, to be used rather than respected. Peter is throwing that idea out the window, and of all the apostles, he is the only one we are positive was indeed married. Men and women are so fundamentally different that it is remarkable that they are even able to give blood to each other! God commanded marriage so that each could “fill in the gaps” in the other. That’s one of many reasons why homosexual “marriage” is such an absurdity. The last line of this verse has been noticed, and experienced, by many Christian men. If the marital relationship is out of line, then the relationship of either spouse with the Lord is out of line. A man who is not respecting his wife quickly finds that the heavens are brass, and his prayers go nowhere!

I have found that this is a valuable indicator of whether I am respecting my wife properly. We can have differences of opinion and there still be no problems, but as soon as I let my respect for her slip, I lose my fellowship not only with her, but with the Lord. As I tell couples in counseling, I consider marriage to be God’s second greatest blessing, the first being salvation in Christ Jesus. However, I also tell them that marriage is the biggest job of their lives – but it brings the greatest rewards. I am thankful to have the opportunity to perform quite a few weddings, and especially to counsel the couples before the ceremony, because I see so few marriages that express what Peter is talking about. Very few of the couples I marry are Christians, sadly enough, but I can express the Gospel to them in a context and at a time when they are very sensitive, and I believe God uses that.

Father, thank You indeed for the blessing of marriage, and for the wife and partner You have given me. Thank You for the witness our relationship is to those who see us, as an indication of what marriage can and should be. Help us continue to grow in our relationship, as equal heirs of Your grace, for Your glory. Thank You. Praise God!