Fragile: Handle with Care

Today's Verse:

Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. ~1 Peter 3:7

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I recently read how UPS (United Parcel Service) handles an average of 20.1 million packages per day. This is substantially more than FedEx, which averages more than 16 million packages per day. A percentage of these shipped goods falls into a category that is labeled “Fragile: Handle with Care.” This means the contents are items that are easily breakable and must be handled with care so as not to break or damage them. Peter addresses the subject of marriage in 1 Peter 3:1-7. In this passage, he wants us to see why the marriage relationship is fragile and must be handled with care.

We see the emphasis on consolidation.

“And said, For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh?” (Matthew 19:5). Marriage is when two—a man and a woman—become one. They are to become one in spirit, heart, objective, desire, goals, and direction. They become one spiritually, physically, emotionally, and financially. They are building their home together and are leaving the emotional ties and dependence on their respective parents. Two become one, and in the process, two are better than one.

We see the emphasis on consecration.

“But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price.” The emphasis in marriage is our character and holiness. Character and holiness manifest the beauty of the Lord God in our lives. These inner qualities are what make us attractive to our spouse. Often our marriages are shaped by external pressures, such as finances and child training, so that our marriages suffer stress, disagreements, and even bitterness. A consecrated spouse brings out the best in the other.

We see the emphasis on consideration.

Peter told husbands to dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife as unto the weaker vessel. The word "vessel" means that the wife is the chief possession of the husband. The term "weaker vessel" teaches us that she is fragile and subject to breakage or damage. With this in mind, the solution to potential disagreements, bitterness, bad habits, and deficiencies you might see in your spouse is through giving honor. This means to be kind! This means to always give the benefit of the doubt. This means to always take the high road. This means to be gentle, patient, always ready to commend, and proactive. Giving honor implies putting my spouse before me. This is handling with care.

We see the emphasis on Christ.

Married couples are heirs together of the grace of life. They are both saved and washed by the blood of Christ. They both have the availability of God’s wonderful grace in their lives. They are both to serve the Lord together. For grace to abound in marriage, Christ must be first. Submission to each other is only as strong as the individual’s submission to the Lord. Christ must be the centerpiece and hub of the marriage. “Except the LORD build the house, they labor in vain that build it.” 

Marriage is a special package from God. We must remember that it is fragile, and we must handle it with care. When we do so, it will be in good condition and free from breakage or damage.

Have a careful God Morning!

Reading Schedule: 1 Samuel 9-12

#1Peter #Husband #Marriage #Wife