Monday, December 10, 2012

A (surprisingly) Controversial Passage

[From Oct. 16, 2012]

"Husbands, in the same way, show consideration for your wives in your life together, paying honor to the woman as the weaker sex, since they too are also heirs of the gracious gift of life - so that nothing may hinder your prayers."
(1 Peter 3:7)

1 Peter 3 doesn't have a positive following among many in the 21st century.  It's "THE CHAPTER" that tells women to "accept the authority of your husbands."  The infamous "obey clause" in the King James Version.  "Be submissive."

There was a time when women were seen as "property" to be passed from one man (Father) to another (husband).  Of course, most of us have a much different (aka "enlightened") view today.

To some extent, I think 1 Peter 3 gets a bit of a bum rap.  It actually calls for BOTH husbands & wives to sacrifice for one another, just as Jesus sacrificed himself for us.  Sacrificial love should be the core of any marriage.

But what caught my attention today from the controversial passage was the very end of verse 7.  The author clearly states that the effectiveness of a man's prayers relates to the way he treats (cares for, honors, etc.) his wife.  Guys, want God to listen to you?  Value & cherish your wife.  Wow.  That's kinda surprising.

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