In last week’s post, I talked about submission in 1 Peter 2 & 3. Lest you think submitting to your husband makes you inferior to him, I wanted to continue in that passage today.

Peter includes only one verse that speaks directly to husbands, but it sure packs a punch! Let’s look at 1 Peter 3:7:

Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.

Am I right to assume reading that verse got your hackles up?? There are several things in this verse that can rub us the wrong way, but let’s unpack it a bit. I think you’ll find it becomes a comfort to you.

When Peter commands husbands to live with their wives in an understanding way, the idea is to do life together. This isn’t describing a domineering husband with a floor mat of a wife. Doing life together implies a partnership, and partnership implies equality.

The term translated “weaker” in reference to the woman is speaking of physical strength. Whatever you may believe about gender roles, you can’t deny that physical strength lies on the side of the man. This is not a slight to women, however, who are natural nurturers and care givers.

Peter specifically references the equality in God’s eyes when he tells husbands that their wives are “heirs with you of the grace of life.” We can’t be co heirs if we are not equals.

You can submit to authority and still be equal in importance. Christ is not inferior to God, yet He submits to God’s will.

Although you can’t control how your husband responds to you, submitting to your husband is a strong testament to your faith in God.