God gives the woman six verses and the men one verse. If you want a marriage that will last then the man needs to do six things.

1 – Spend time with your wife

We are to live with our wives. The meaning is more than intimacy. We are to make a home for our wives. We are to share our life by spending time. We need to go out together. Do you still take this woman to be your wedded wife? It is going to take some of your time.

2 – Study your wife

We are to live with our wives – with understanding. It is according to knowledge. We need to be taking notes. Women are not like men. They look at things differently. They have different emotional needs. What are the things that upset her or excite her?

• It’s about nothing – When you hear the word “nothing” from your wife it never about nothing. You have to figure it out!
• Women get upset about things that men don’t even notice.
• Romance springs from sacrifice and planning, not from convenience.
• Women want you to pay rather than get things on the cheap.
• Sex is the topping on a good day rather than a fire escape from a bad day.
• Genuine compliments are never wasted. You should study your wife. Did you notice the new dress?
• A little help goes a long way. Do you clean up after dinner? Do you even make the dinner sometimes? How about complimenting you wife? You need to mean it from your heart.

3 – Honour your wife

We are to show “honour” to our wife. It is a military term. It is the idea of public recognition. We are to say it in front of others. We should say it in front of our children. We need to speak these things.

4 – Protect your wife

“As the weaker vessel”. The man is also weak but the woman is weaker. The physical body of the woman is weaker than the man. (There are exceptions to the rule). Men are to take care and protect their wives. Does your wife feel safe with you?

• Show patience when things seem dangerous to their wife. E.g. The speed of the car.
• Ensure their safety in your absence. E.g. Get friends to drop bye.
• Manage your aggression during conflict. E.g. Use your strength to have your way or raise your voice.

5 – Open up to your wife

“Heirs with us in the grace of life”. These are the good things that God gives to us. Women are not second-class citizens. They don’t get the scraps from your table. They are 100% equal under God’s laws. See Genesis 2:18. Do life with your wife. Make yourself known to your wife. Women are stronger with relationships than men. They have insights that men don’t see.

6 – Pray with your wife

Men have a hard time praying. Our relationships with our wives can mean that our prayer is hindered. When we pray we are being open. We are being real. This is the power of a marriage.

Categories: 1 Peter