The believer’s life should be attractive and inviting to those who don’t know Jesus. This also applies to every believer’s marriage relationship. Today’s passage is directed toward wives, and Peter’s words are misunderstood by many. Let’s work to understand how Scripture addresses the role of the wife in her marriage.

1 Peter 3:1-2
Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct.

Today’s passage is found in a string of instructions aimed at our response to governing authorities and those who supervise us in the workplace. Here Peter moves to the home and begins with the woman’s role.

Echoing the words of the apostle Paul, Peter reminds each wife that she is to honor the role of leadership that God has given each husband in the marriage relationship. She is to place herself, voluntarily and willingly, under the leadership of the man. This in no way describes a “doormat” mentality or “second-class” position. However, it does describe the “government” of the home that God has assigned and ordained. Marriage is a loving partnership with the man finally accountable for the overall direction of the home.

This role for the woman applies even when her husband is not a believer. But, as seen in today’s verses, the influence of biblical obedience may be the very thing that brings a husband to Christ. Such is the power of an inviting life!

Father, thank you for your design of marriage. May each husband lead a loving partnership in a way that his wife desires to demonstrate honor and respect. In Jesus’ name. Amen.