“Husbands,” Peter says, “in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers” (1 Pet. 3:7, NIV). This teaching came to mind several years ago when I attended a young friend’s wedding. The minister stumbled a bit as he concluded the ceremony. He said, “I now pronounce you heaven and—I mean, husband and wife.”
This slip of the tongue reminded me that every husband should work to be a blessing to his wife. However, few husbands seem to understand what their wives need and expect from them. How does a man become the gift from heaven his wife longs for? Peter’s instructions provide inspired guidance.
Be Considerate as You Live with Your Wives. Be patient, courteous, and thoughtful. Become aware of your wife’s feelings by asking questions and truly caring about the answers. Encourage her hopes and dreams. Comfort her hurts and fears.
Treat Them with Respect as the Weaker Partner and as Heirs with You. Never belittle your wife with insults, rolled eyes, sarcasm, or hostile humor. Openly express gratitude for her contributions to the family. Tell your children how blessed they are to have her as their mother. Recognize her emotional and physiological differences. A wife is not a small man in a skirt. In every cell of her body she is a woman. She communicates differently. She responds differently to problems. Her sexual needs are different. She is fully equal in the sight of God. Treat her accordingly. Seek her counsel and value her opinions.