Treasure Them

1 Peter 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 have such a great responsibility when it comes to keeping our relationship right with our wives. It may seem Peter had less to say about how we are supposed to treat our wives, but in reality he said a lot. As a matter of fact, even in other parts where there seems to be little said, in actuality much is said. Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 tell us to love our wives. This seems simple and straightforward, does it not? Well, Ephesians 5 tells us to love our wives as Christ loved the church, and Colossians 3 tells us to love them and be not bitter against them. Both these commands require that we know how Jesus loved us all, as the church, and how He forgives. We have an entire Bible that explains this; and because of that simple fact, we will be held to a greater standard for how we love and treat our wives. Peter, in today's one verse, tells us a lot about how we should live with our wives, and the consequences of ignoring these instructions. First, we are to live with our wives having an understanding of who they are and what makes them tick. That, my brothers, will take a lifetime. But then again, we should be in it for the long haul. We are told to give them honor as to the weaker vessel. That does not mean that we view them as, or that they are by any means, inferior to us. No, on the contrary, they are our sisters in Christ, and God's daughters. He loves them just as much as He loves us, and we will give an account for how we treat them and lead them. The idea behind treating them with honor as to the weaker vessel is the idea that we treat them as being delicate, yet of great value; just as we would a piece of valuable, beautiful, and delicate china. We would not handle a plastic or paper plate in the same manner that we handle an expensive china plate. We are to treasure our wives, be delicate with them, and hold them in that special place in our lives that no one else should occupy; other than God Himself. Peter issues a serious warning for those of us who refuse to obey these commands. He clearly states that our failure to value our wives as we should will result in a hindered prayer life. So, if we want to frustrate our relationship with Jesus, all we have to do is mistreat and mishandle our wives. Brothers, if we want to keep our relationship right with God, then we need to take great care in how we treat His daughters. The bottom line...treasure them.

Today, God extends an invitation to you to accept His free gift of salvation (Rom 6:23). Will you accept it? Anyone who calls on Jesus, by faith, in repentance, confessing your sins, will receive eternal life. Do not put off calling on Him, and receive His free gift of salvation today (Rom 10:13).