RPG Adults
HUSBANDS, LOVE YOUR WIFE
SATURDAY, AUGUST 20
1 Peter 3:7
Proverbs 31:10-20
“My hands also will I lift up
unto thy commandments,
which I have loved…”
HUSBANDS, LOVE YOUR WIFE
Husbands are commanded to love their wives in the same manner as Christ loved the Church (Eph 5:25). A Christ-like love is one that demands a practical expression. We know that the Lord loved the Church because He gave Himself to save it. It is this self-sacrificing love that husbands are commanded to show their wives.
In 1 Peter 3:7, we have instructions concerning the practical application of the husband’s godly love for his wife. There is to be an understanding spirit concerning the wife’s needs, problems and desires. Scripture reminds us that Jesus is touched by our infirmities or weaknesses (Heb 4:15). The Lord understands us in all that we are and do. It is the Christian husband’s responsibility to endeavour to understand his wife in the same way. In this way, he shows a godly love toward his wife as he helps her concerning the needs in her life.
As the Christian husband recognises that God has placed the wife in subjection to him, he will respect and honour her for her godly position rather than take advantage of her and lord over her.
Through the death of Christ, the Christian husband and wife are bound together by God’s gift of eternal life. So, the picture of Christian marriage given in the Scriptures is one of companionship together before the Lord. The wife is to take her place in submission to her husband. The husband, in recognition of his godly position, is to love her and to express this love with concern and understanding.
We cannot fail to notice the warning at the close of these instructions. The Apostle reminded us that disobedience to these commands concerning marriage would impede the life of prayer. On the other hand, as the husband and wife live together in love and harmony before the Lord their prayer life is strengthened. Such harmony in the home brings spiritual strength and blessing.
THOUGHT: Husbands, do you have an understanding spirit?
PRAYER: Father, help me to obey Thy Word and bless my home with peace and unity.