"Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives...Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered." vv.1,7
Read chapter 3
This chapter can be hard for women today to take. A lot will read the first verse of this chapter and stop reading because upset at the words, but never keep reading to see that there is a command for husbands too that's not always easy for them to take either. The feminist movement is distilled in all women today that we should be stronger than men, that we should have authority over men, that we can demand respect, etc.
Well one thing I like to point out in this passage first is that it says "wives" not "women." When it talks about submissiveness and how a woman should carry herself it's in the marriage relationship of wives and husbands, not all women towards all men. The word submission has taken on a picture of a husband beating their wife with whip screaming submit. That is not at all what it means, but a "humble obedience" (definition from Dictionary.com). Submission here gives a reason for obedience; that of winning them for Christ.
I asked by boyfriend if verse seven is something that is hard for men and it was interesting how he responded. What about you? If you're a wife or a female, is it hard for you to submit to your husband (or the thought of to your future husband) in humble obedience? Husbands or males, how is verse seven a challenge for you to carry out with your wife (or future wife)? How do you picture that playing out in life?
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