"Likewise, ye husbands dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered"
This chapter has given me so much to strive for in my young marriage. I like to begin at the end. "That your prayers be not hindered." The way that we husbands deal with our wives is going to directly affect the way God deals with us. So what do you say we get this right?
"Being heirs together of the grace of life" Peter reminds us often through his epistles that our motivation to show grace was met at Calvary. The fact that we are partakers of Christ's redemptive plan is reason enough for us to show grace to all. OK, so I show grace but in relation to what?
"As unto the weaker vessel" Some commentaries feel this statement replies only to the physical difference between women and men. I dare say not. The meaning of this statement is found in the previous statement and in the verses following. Peter is reminding us that we must behave in a way that is not as easy for our wives. That is why Peter reminds us to show grace and that God will hold us accountable. In other words God holds us responsible to do that which He has given us the strength to do. So let's get to it…
"Husbands deal with them (your wives) according to knowledge." There are two main contributors to our actions: what we know and what we feel. Women are emotional beings and men are rational beings. As men we have a greater ability to separate our emotion from what we say and do, literally to act on what we know. Peter is calling us to do just that.
We cannot allow undisciplined behavior to affect the prayers that we pray during this season of revival. As men we must rule our home with the love and grace. We must "seek peace and pursue it." REAL men must "not render railing for railing, but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called."
Jason Ouellette
