“Be subject for the Lord’s sake to every human institution . . . Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.” 1 Peter 2:13a, 3:7

Much counsel has been written and given over this passage and so I have no new insight. I only have the reminder of it for you. If you are a husband who loves Jesus Christ, Jesus says, “make it right with her, then we’ll talk.” I cannot afford to ignore this admonishment from my Lord. Jesus takes it personally when I am indifferent and harsh to Cheryl, refusing to make a life with her that honors her. Briefly then,

1. Husbands, set aside your jokes that impugn your wife’s character simply because she is female. Jesus is not laughing.

2. Husbands, there is more to your life than living for yourself. Jesus died for you.

3. Husbands, seek to know the creature that God created for you. Jesus knows her.

4. Husbands, show her honor, not dishonor because she is the weaker vessel. She is weaker not because she is inferior but because she cannot defend herself against a domineering man. Know this, Jesus, her big brother will.

5. Husbands, she walks side-by-side with you in this life of grace. Grace is what describes this union. Jesus is the source of this grace.

6. Husbands, pray for this calling upon you and implement this calling by God’s grace, then your prayer-life will continue to produce godliness. Jesus says, “make it right with her – as much as it lies within your power, then lift up your prayers to me.”

7. “Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing. For ‘Whoever desires to love life and see good days, let him keep his tongue from evil and his lips from speaking deceit; let him turn away from evil and do good; let him seek peace and pursue it. For the eyes of the Lord are on the righteous, and his ears are open to their prayer. But the face of the Lord is against those who do evil'” – 1 Peter 3:8-12