Dear Young People,
I wonder, where you are as you are reading this. I hope you are not hanging precariously from a tree or waiting at a bus stop for a bus. If you are at home, please do make sure that you have a Bible with you to look up the references.
We learnt that husbands are the leaders in the home. So who gives honor to whom? It goes without saying that the wife should honor her husband. This is also traditionally expected of wives in our country, isn’t it? But is this all that the Bible has to say about honouring in marriage?.
Turn now to a very interesting scripture about marriage in 1 Peter 3:7.
. . . giving honor to the w_______ . . .
This scripture gives two reasons as to why the husband ought to honor the wife. It also includes a wonderful blessing that the couple receive when due honor is given to the wife. Let us look at all these one by one.
Reason #1 For Honoring the Weaker Vessel
. . . giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel.
The husband is physically stronger than the wife. God expects the husband to protect and provide for the wife.
Have you seen women doing hard manual labour while the men laze around smoking beedies. In the Western world where the Bible once played a big role, it was the practice of men to open doors for women, to carry heavy things for them, and so on. This kind of behavior is known as chivalry. Sadly, chivalry is soon becoming something of the past, even in the West.
According to God’s design, the husband must provide for his wife’s needs. These needs include security and protection too. God has given men the inclination to protect, while women have a natural desire to be protected.
Generally, men are emotionally stronger. They are also more logical and less given to impulsive behavior. This is not always the case, but generally so. I am also not suggesting that men are more important than women, for everyone knows how important women are in the family, in the church, and in the community.
Reason #2 For Honoring the Joint Heir
giving honor to the wife . . . as being heirs together of the grace of life . . .
Who are join heirs? Do you agree with me that all Christians are joint heirs with Christ?
and if children, then heirs — heirs of God and _____ _____ with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together. (Rom 8:17)
Below are some scriptures that teach us about how we treat joint heirs in the church. The husband must remember that his wife is also a believer and joint heir .
How is one believer supposed to treat another?
Blessing Received When Wife Is Honored
What is the blessing promised when the wife is submissive and the husband honors her?
Look up 1 Pet 3:7: that your ____________ may not be ______________
Truly blessed is the home that follows God’s design for the family. A husband who honours the wife and who provides godly leadership is a pleasure to submit to.
(A note caution to wives: Even if the husband is not a good leader and does not honour you, you must still submit to him. It is very hard to submit to such a person, but God will grant you wisdom and patience, if you ask.)
(Nahomi Dhinakar; Published in Youth Column of Dhyanamlar Jan 2005) Click here for other Youth Column articles
Courage to tremble 