Bible Text: 1 Peter 3:7 | Preacher: Pastor Joe Ricchuiti | Series: 1 Peter, Real Masculine

Peter now turns his attention to the reciprocal duties of husbands to their wives. That men had responsibilities toward their wives was a new concept in the cultures of that day. Marriage works best when husband and wife fulfill their God-given roles and responsibilities and when they follow Jesus’ example of a humble, self-giving attitude (2:23).
A man must minister to his wife by fostering the spiritual atmosphere of the home. He does this by leading in love, forgiveness, consideration, respect, and servanthood, and by being positive in the home. He must not be unthinking, inattentive, harsh, or negative; things which harm the spiritual health of a marriage and family.
Peter’s command is that a man be considerate of his wife, which in the original language literally means, live with his wife according to knowledge, that is be understanding, knowledgeable. Live with her in an understanding way.
Some of the things a man must understand are:

-God’s intention for marriage (Genesis 2:24; Ephesians 5:25-33; Colossians 3:19). Marriage, as defined by God, is a monogamous, heterosexual, lifelong union in which a husband is to exercise loving, servant leadership (sacrificial, caring, nurturing, protecting love) and is to build up his wife and not tear her down by a surly, irritable attitude, or sharp, unfeeling words.

-understand his wife, know her spiritual needs, emotional needs, intellectual needs, her hopes, fears, moods, feelings, joys, sorrows, and challenges.

-understand the need for gentle, thoughtful love.That: “It is manly to be tender…” (Halley) and that: “ A man does not have to be feminine to show gentleness to his wife. The man who can be gentle is truly strong.” (Dr. Grant C. Richison)

-understand that his wife needs him to be the spiritual head of the home.