“You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way, as with someone weaker, since she is a woman; and show her honor as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered.” 1 Peter 3:7

Husbands are called to live with their wives with an understanding way because wives are “the weaker partner” NIV.

The exact meaning of the word “weaker” is “fragile” – easily broken or damaged.

A woman is not only created with lower muscle cells compared to her husband, but she is also wired to be more emotional than her husband. This emotional aspect of her wiring is seen visibly when she gets pregnant and rares her kids. She is well in tuned with her surroundings and to the well-being of her children.

God created her this way so she will be a suitable helper to her husband as well as a suitable care-giver to her children.

However this very nature of hers, if not protected and handled well by her husband in “an understanding way,” can be a reason for the marriage to fall apart.

That is why God calls husbands to live with their wives with knowledge and understanding, or else their prayers won’t be answered or will be delayed by God.

This is serious, isn’t it!

And God gives a reason for His call.

A husband needs to live with his wife with an understanding way because his wife is “a fellow heir of the grace of life” with him.

Wow!

You know what it is saying? It is saying: Your wife is equal with you even if she is wired differently. If she is equal with you, as you desire to receive respect from her, guess what, she deserves to receive respect and honor from you as well.

The best way a husband can honor his wife is by giving her both of his ears, listening to what she is saying to him, and considering her as his partner, co-heir of the grace of life.

If a husband does not listen to this, he will live in a miserable marriage and God hinders his prayers. I mean, what kind of life is this going to be? Think about it!

Yes, it is always wise for all of us to listen to and obey the word of God.

Otherwise we will go and navigate through life according to what feels good to us. That, my friend, will lead to nothing but to death.

“There is a way which seems right to a man, But its end is the way of death.” Proverbs 14:12 NASB

The opposite of that is, listen:-

“In the way of righteousness is life,
And in its pathway there is no death.” Proverbs 12:28 NASB

Very clear, isn’t it?

May God help us all to choose the pathway that leads only to life! ///