ICS Daily Devotions
Giving Honor to Your Wife
1 Peter 3:7 (NKJV) 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.
Example: A conversation between a husband and his wife “What have you been doing at home all day? Why didn’t you do it?” (a rhetorical question used to suggest that she had ALL this time at home and was unproductive).
The remark “What have you been doing at home all day?” does not edify the homemaker who cares for the children. Basically, this remark suggests that the person is useless, incapable and poor in management. Let us remember to “Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one” (Colossians 4:6 NKJV). There are roles, responsibilities and expectations in a marriage. In fact, the trailing spouse might be struggling with an identity crisis if he or she has given up her job to be with you in Shanghai.
It a terrible feeling to be unappreciated and spoken to condescendingly. This type of remark is akin to knocking to the ground, a person who is already tired, helpless and struggling with different issues including self-doubt. What she really needs is emotional support besides practical help when the husband comes home.
There are a lot of things to be done at home depending on the ages of the children. Not everyone is able to multi-task, or they have different gifts. The husband needs to play the role of the father and the husband besides just having his identity as a corporate man. In this case, the husband needs to set aside time and ask what is needed to be done and probably coach the child who needs help in his/her schoolwork.
He could say, “Dear, I know it is not easy being a homemaker and looking after our children. I cannot imagine doing this on my own. Please let me know how I can contribute to build up this home. I will always make time for you and our family. We are a team and we will make this work together”.
All of us belong to the good tree because we are new creations with the nature of God in our hearts. A good tree will have good fruits shown through our conduct and our words. We are made in the image of God. God spoke the entire creation into being. Likewise, our words are filled with power to either edify or tear a person down. We are taught to bridle our tongues in order not to cause any damage to anyone. We should not lash out and say whatever we want without constraints especially when we are angry. Self-control is one of the nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. Out of the abundance of the heart the mouth will speak. It doesn’t help to build relationships when one has a sharp tongue because it will push away many people once they are hurt by our words. Every one of us needs to be slow to speak and quick to listen. That is why we have two ears and one mouth. We should speak words of edification and affirmation so that they will impart grace to the other person.
Sermon Series – Ouch! It Hurts!
