1 Peter Chapter 3
Adapted from the We Are Family: Marriage seminar held in Singapore in 2015.
Since Peter has decided to talk about these traits for wives and husbands, it means that they are things which each party might tend to lack. As we read this, let us remember: God wrote the Bible for me to reflect on myself, not on others, including my spouse.
1 Peter 3:1-6 — “Wives…”
This passage tells wives three things:
- Be submissive to your husband (1). As a wife capably manages her household, perhaps deep down, she is unwilling to submit to her husband because she thinks she can do things better than him.
- Be gentle (4). In desiring control over the various areas of her household, a wife may forget to be gentle…
Be quiet (4). … just as she forgets to be quiet, instead nagging, repeating herself, and always talking.
Wives: Your Reward?
In challenging yourself to grow according to the truth, you will be precious before God (4).
1 Peter 3:7 — “Husbands…”
This passage tells husbands two things:
- Dwell with your wife in understanding (7). A husband may too often assume himself to be right. A husband may also forget to spend meaningful time with his wife, to patiently understand her more.
- Give honour to your wife (7). A husband may seek to win arguments, look down on his wife for her weaknesses, and hold back on praise. But by protecting and caring for your wife, you help her grow in the ways that 1 Peter 3:1-6 teaches wives.
Husbands: Your Reward?
You and your wife will be heirs together of the grace of life and your prayers may not be hindered (7). Husbands, what great the severity is of disobeying these teachings, but also how great the blessings that will be bestowed on you and your wife when you practice this!
1 Peter 3:8-12 — “Finally, all of you…”
We tend to read these few verses as addressed to each of us but as they continue from the above few verses, this passage written to husbands and wives too.
This passage tells us five things:
- Be of one mind and have compassion. Slowly become one mind through dialogue and interaction. Sometimes it is easier to show compassion to strangers than your own spouse. Practice compassion! Do not simply assume you are compassionate.
- Be tenderhearted. Let us remember and imitate how God was first tenderhearted, loving and forgiving towards us (see Eph 4:32).
- Be courteous. In arguments, rather than striving to out-argue the other person and win, give way, compromise and act and speak kindly.
- Control your tongue. Do not say words that are hurtful or mean.
- Do good. Pursue and seek to do good together!
Do not think that all these are impossible to attain. So long as we are willing, God will help us. Didn’t He give us the Holy Spirit after all to help us?
Husbands and Wives: Your Reward?
To you, husband and wife, the Bible promises these:
- You will receive blessings
- You will love life
- You will see good days!
While transformation comes with challenges, persevere in upholding these teachings together—how wonderful will life be for you and your spouse!
