THE IMPACTFUL FAMILY (5)

“Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with UNDERSTANDING, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel…” – 1 Peter 3:7

Understanding is central to building the IMPACTFUL FAMILY: “Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with UNDERSTANDING, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered” (1 Pet.3:7). Today’s meditation passage offers guidance on how an impactful family functions by prioritizing godly conduct over worldly standards, with a focus on mutual respect and inner virtue. The passage outlines understanding the team roles of spouses, and expands these principles to the broader Christian community, emphasizing harmony and humility. 

Marriage, Family, and Parenting are all about Teamwork, and for any team effort to succeed, each member of the team should understand the others, with mutual appreciation of one another’s varied contributions. Though generically human beings, men and women are different – physically, emotionally, and fundamentally. The world is not a Unisex world: “...male and female He created them” (Gen.1:27b). These realities call for us to understand the differences in roles and responsibilities. There are also distinctions in marriages and families that derive from unique individual backgrounds, upbringing, contexts, and cultures. Verses 1 to 6 and verse 7 respectively describe the roles of wives and husbands within the Impactful family.

Peter recommended that for wives married to unbelieving husbands, their godly conduct as powerful, silent witnesses, rather than constant preaching or argument, is the most effective evangelistic tool (vv.1-2). A husband may be won over to the gospel by observing his wife's respectful and chaste lifestyle. Peter urged wives to prioritize inner beauty – a "gentle and quiet spirit" – over external adornment like expensive clothing or elaborate hairstyles (vv.3-4). This inner character is "very precious in God's sight" and is the mark of true godly beauty. A wife's submission is to be like that of the holy women of old, like Sarah – one that’s not born of fear, but a confident, voluntary deference that honours her husband and trusts in God’s Plan (vv.5-6). 

Husbands are instructed to live with their wives in an understanding way, showing them honour; being attentive, considerate, and compassionate to their wives' needs. In recognizing spiritual equality, husbands must honour their wives as "heirs together of the grace of life" (v.7). Wives are not spiritually inferior but are equal partners in God's Kingdom. Understanding these is vitally connected to prayer. The severe consequence is for the prayers of husbands who neglect this command to be hindered. This reveals the value God places on the husband-wife relationship and the need for mutual respect for healthy spiritual lives. 

Peter expanded the marital dynamic to building the broader "family" of believers as a team (vv.8-11). The foundational and guiding principles for teamwork and all relationships include: Unity and empathy; brotherly love and humility; responding to evil with blessings; and seeking and pursuing peace.