R-E-S-P-E-C-T
by Steve Pegram

 

Look with me at these different versions of 1 Peter 3:7:

“In the same way, you husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way [with great gentleness and tact, and with an intelligent regard for the marriage relationship], as with someone physically weaker, since she is a woman. Show her honor and respect as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your prayers will not be hindered or ineffective.” (AMP)

“In the same way, you husbands should live with your wives in an understanding way, since they are weaker than you. You should show them respect, because God gives them the same blessing he gives you—the grace of true life.” (Easy To Read version)

“You husbands must also respect your wives. Be kind to your wife and help her. Remember that she is not as strong as you are. Because God is very kind, she has received his gift of true life, as you have. So you should respect her.” (Easy English Bible)

“You husbands should live with your wives in an understanding [considerate] way, since they are weaker than you. Show them respect [pay/give them honor], because God gives them the same blessing he gives you—[they are co-heirs of] the grace that gives true life.” (Expanded Bible)

“Husbands, consider the needs of your wives. They are weaker than you. So treat them with respect. Honor them as those who will share with you the gracious gift of life.” (New International Readers Version)

“You husbands should try to understand the wives you live with.” (PHILLIPS)

“In the same way, husbands, as you live with your wives, understand the situations women face as the weaker vessel. Each of you should respect your wife and value her as an equal heir in the gracious gift of life.” (VOICE)

Now that we have seen what the Word of God says about how that men should treat women, specifically our wives, I want to show you an acrostic that I developed for the word RESPECT:

R – Realize she (others) are equal in the sight of God.

E – Earn her (others) trust by giving honor to her (others) through respect.

S – Show yourself to her (others) to be a man of integrity.

P – Praise her (others) accomplishments, both big and small.

E – Encourage her (others) to be who God called her (others) to be, not who you think she (others) should be.

C – Comfort her (others) when she (others) are down, depressed, not feeling good, going through hard times.

T – Tangibly show your love for her (others) through genuine outward acts. Do not just “say” you love her (others), but show it.

Let us all show respect to each other, loving one another as Christ so loved us.