Live In An Understanding Way

Peter tells us, "In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God's gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered." (I Peter 3:7, NLT).

The key word is understanding.

We know from Scripture Peter was married (Matthew 8:14-15) and we could only imagine with his rash temper he had to learn to live in an understanding way with his wife. Although not written in Scripture, we could imagine Jesus observing Peter in his own home and the interactions with his wife for the Lord to have instructed him.

Why is it so important for a man to live in an understanding way with his wife? Namely, that his prayers are not hindered. How many men profess to be spiritually minded reading the Bible and praying daily only to say cutting, demeaning remarks to their wives? Or the secret anger or frustration deep in the heart that makes you want to drive a fist into the wall? How often has a man lost his temper and spewed out terrible words to her then expect God to hear his prayers? No, God will not listen until he makes it right with her.

I believe the principal of living in an understanding way applies to all of our relationships. The Scripture verse uses the word "understanding" which in the original means to "know". When we don't take the time to know or understand another person, we make assumptions. We make quick snap judgments to why he or she is reacting or saying things that put us on edge. To live in an understanding way requires patience, actively listening, and asking questions so the lines of communication flow.

My wife and I pray daily to help focus our conversation back to God - who is listening and watching. We can sit and discuss how our day went or we can disagree on something but in the end, we stop to invite the Lord in our time of conversation. This takes practice and I don't do it well all the time. We pray while on the road for protection and safety. We pray over our meals. We pray throughout the day both individually and together as other things come up. This is how you live in an understanding way: you pray for wisdom and you pray together - no matter how difficult or hard it may seem - you invite God into the relationship - watch what healing and strength will flow.

And men, your understanding will broaden and increase as God gives you a heart to truly care for His daughter!