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 (1 Pet. 3:7 NIV).

Depending on the ages of our children, our financial needs, and the demands of my job, my wife, Kathy, has varied her time and energy spent in occupations outside our home. 

In doing this, she has never wavered in submitting her own interests to the needs of the family God has entrusted to her care. In this confusing age, many have questioned or criticized her choices, but I respect them – and her. And that is not just my personal choice or any husband’s option.

The Apostle Peter commands, “Husbands … be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect.” He uses the same root word in the previous chapter to instruct believers how they should regard an emperor. 

The apostle’s words require me to respect my wife for her sacrifices, her heart, and her faith, and to believe that she, though physically not as strong as I, is as much an heir of God’s gracious gifts as I. Neither I nor our family would have known the all the treasures of God’s blessings without her staunch commitment and care.

Spouses are not to gauge one another’s value by arm wrestling matches. And no spouse should take individual credit for the family blessings God prepared by wedding two as he knew was best. Selfish pride will always hinder our prayers and damage our families. 

God has a better plan: husband honor your wife.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, help me to show my spouse respect in how I honor her for the commitments and sacrifices made for the good of our family and the testimony of Jesus.