Our hope in Christ is reflected in a Christian marriage.

Marriage was established by God as the basic building block of society. It is one of the closest of human relationships. The husband-wife relationship is God's good plan for bringing children into the world and caring for them. Marriage produces the family.

But marriage is also the institution that has suffered the most—and that's even aside from the attacks on God's plan for marriage that come from all sides in our world today. Life in a marriage the way God desires has been a challenge from the moment sin entered the world. The reason is simple. Whenever you put two sinners together for any length of time, you will have disagreements, hurtful words, and thoughtless actions.

That doesn't diminish God's plan for marriage. In his plan, he has a definite calling for each spouse. The wife is the submissive helper. "Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives. Your beauty should not come from outward adornment, such as braided hair and the wearing of gold jewelry and fine clothes. Instead, it should be that of your inner self, the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God's sight" (1 Peter 3:1-4).

Does this mean she is her husband's slave? That she doesn't get a say in anything? Absolutely not! A Christian wife recognizes that God has given the headship position to her husband. She yields to his leadership, trusting that he will lead for the good of the family. The gentle submission of a Christian wife is where we see real beauty.

The calling of the Christian husband is to be the loving leader. "Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers" (1 Peter 3:7).

Does this mean that he is the master of the house, the "king of the castle," the dictator? That his word is the only word? Absolutely not! A husband treasures his wife and regards her as his partner. He respects and honors his wife as he carries out his calling as the head of the household. Her best interests will be his priority.

Do you see some of the blessings that can result? An unbelieving husband might be positively influenced by his Christian wife's gentle spirit. A Christian husband shares in the hope of heaven with his Christian wife and that makes all the difference as they deal with the struggles and sins associated with God's gift of marriage. Forgiven in Christ, a husband and wife can forgive each other.

EXPLORING THE WORD