Husband is a Verb
Husband Is a Verb
Husbands, in the same way, live with your wives with an understanding of their weaker nature yet showing them honor as coheirs of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered. (1 Pet. 3:7)
Weaker Nature
Scripture encourages men to understand their wives’ “weaker nature.” Most scholars interpret this as referring to relative physical weakness: usually men are physically stronger than their wives. This necessitates a tenderness that might not come naturally.
A husband shouldn’t treat his wife “like one of the guys” or manhandle her in any way. Today’s Scripture outlaws all bullying, whether physical, emotional, intellectual, or spiritual. By agreeing to marry you, she made herself vulnerable to you. She entrusted herself to you. By agreeing to marry her, you made yourself accountable to God for her well-being and care. When a man fails to husband his wife, God takes it personally.
Greater Honor
The good news is that God’s grace can make you the husband you long to be. You and your wife are “coheirs of the grace of life.” This means the supernatural, divine power you need to live up to God’s standards is available to you. He has supplied “everything required for life and godliness” (2 Pet. 1:3). He has outfitted you with all you need to cherish your wife and show her the honor she deserves.
It only remains for you to do it. Steward your marriage. Love your wife when you feel like it and when you don’t. Protect her. Shepherd her. Be the husband God’s grace enables you to be.
Bottom Line
Husbanding a wife and family is a huge responsibility, but God stands ready to empower you by His grace.