God desires us to have a more effective prayer life. To do that, we have to respect the peas that share our pod.
It’s generally accepted that Peter wrote the books that bear his name. What was he trying to get across in 1 Peter 3:7?
“Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
Peter knew there was discord and maybe disrespect among the husbands and wives in the body of believers. He wanted to offer his knowledge and understanding under the leading of the Spirit of God to give encouragement to his fellow believers. His words continue to offer encouragement that we must follow the teachings of Jesus rather than tradition or the ideas of men.
Two other disciples echo his sentiments.
John 13:34 tells us:
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.”
Here John is telling us that love cherishes and is kind as well as protects the one loved.
We see this concept reflected in Matthew 19:19 as well:
“Honor your father and mother, and, You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”
In the comfort of a family living in close relationship, it’s easy to forget to be kind when things are not going well. When trials come, it’s easier to strike out at those we love, and feel they are at fault. Instead we should look in the mirror and examine ourselves to see if we are following the principles of love that Jesus taught.
1 Peter 3:1 continues to exhort us:
“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives.”
This tells the wives of his day that they were not putting love in their actions toward their husbands. When we love someone, we are willing to put them first over ourselves.
This brings us back to Verse 7, where Peter tells husbands to be considerate of their wives, as they are joint heirs of the gift of life. If we are joint heirs, we have equal rights. As we consider our own ideas and wants important, we also need to show that same consideration to our wives. We must treat them with the same respect we desire, and we must do so in love.
If we fail in this command, God is not pleased.
It’s when we show our love that our prayers are not hindered, and we become more effective workers in the kingdom of God.
Our families are the pods, and we are the peas inside. How we treat the peas at our side impacts us also.
Copyright © 2015 MyChurchNotes.net
Code: MST.K.16.vp.Special Guest Contributor Sue Turnipseed