November 24th: Husbands must…………..

by Dennis Johnston

Scripture:

In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives.  Treat your wife with understanding as you live together.  She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life.  Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.  1 Peter 3:7

Observation:

This chapter gives each Christ-follower instructions for husbands and wives.  Specifically, verses 1-6 discuss those of the wife.  In verse 7, we learn about the responsibility of the husband.

Application:

So how can I give honor to my wife?  Sounds like something worth my time.  By:

1.      Being understanding of my wife’s physical and emotional needs

a.       Be aware of those things that encourage my wife (words of affirmation, etc.)

b.      Asking about and listening to her as she describes her day and the experiences she had – good/bad and ugly.

Treat her as you should!  Not as I feel, but as I should………………..

1.      I’m told to love my wife as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25).  What is love?  1 Corinthians chapter 13 tells us that love is:

a.       Patient

b.      Kind

c.       It does not envy

d.      It does not boast

e.       It is not rude

f.       It is not self-seeking

g.      It is not easily angered

h.      It keeps no record of wrongs

i.        Rejoices with the truth

j.        It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.

By continually and consistently focusing on “what love is” I’m able to give honor to my wife as we live together.  Additionally, when we pray together I don’t have guilt (etc.), but the freedom to approach Christ with a pure heart and ask anything in His name (John 14:14).

Prayer:

God, I desire to honor my wife and love her and give myself up for her.  Strengthen me to be patient and kind – to always protect and trust in her as we grow together.