(1 Pet 3:7) 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.
Men, we need a lot of help and guidance on how to treat the woman God gave us to marry. Come on admit it, we are constantly at a loss on how a woman ticks, so we tend to shake our heads on understanding them, let alone how to treat them. But there is hope for us yet! The Bible has much to say about marriage and how to relate to a woman. So take the time to read and apply this encouragement, for it is written from one man to another.
DWELL WITH THEM: This means spending time with your wife. Men love their work, but make sure you save a lot of your energy to be with your wife. She loves it when you hang out with her and it means more than you know. Do things together. Keep her as your best friend.
WITH UNDERSTANDING: This means to be considerate of your wife’s spiritual, emotional, and physical needs. Realize the differences of the sexes and respect how God made her female and not like you. Study her and anticipate her needs before she has to say something to you.
GIVING HONOR TO THE WIFE: This means to respect her for who she is. She is female, the way God made her. She has a personality that is God-given. Don’t ever put her down or make her feel less-than. Refrain from ever making fun of her weaknesses, insecurities, or fears.
WEAKER VESSEL: This refers to physical or emotional weakness. Use your masculinity to serve her and to help her in areas where she has need. Be that pillar of strength when she is having a meltdown and let her cry on your chest when she needs to.
HEIRS TOGETHER: Romans 8:17 says we are heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ. That means God wants to bless you together. Pray with your wife. Read the Bible to her. Attend church and Bible study together. Let Christ be the foundation of your marriage always.
GRACE OF LIFE: I love this one. It’s loving your wife and overlooking her faults. It’s not taking things personally when she acts a certain way or says something that rubs you the wrong way. It’s giving her lots of space to be herself and to just be a woman. It’s how the Lord loves us.
PRAYERS MAY NOT BE HINDERED: Hey guys, let me tell you straight, if you’re not right with your wife it can clog your spiritual life. So avoid being bitter towards her and keep from ever being a jerk (Col 3:19). One day we will have to answer to God for how we treated our wives. Enjoy her, pray for her, and lay down your life for her like Jesus did for His bride the Church!
Louie