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I recently led a conference for the "Singles Super
Saturday" and got the chance to discuss "Dating and
Finding the Right Mate". One of the scriptures I
quoted was 1 Peter 3:7. This is usually known as
one of the least popular verses in all of scripture as
it talks about women as a "weaker vessel". But
does scripture really mean this is a negative way?
Is this one scripture really saying that God thinks
lightly of women and in some way puts them down? I
know that most preachers try to avoid using this
scripture, as it makes most people very uncomfortable in
a day of political correctness. Let's examine the
scripture:
You husbands, in the same way,
live with your wives in an understanding way, as with a
weaker vessel, since she is a woman; and show her honor
as a fellow heir of the grace of life, so that your
prayers will not be hindered. ~ 1 Peter 3:7
Men:
As a
man, I can tell you that we traditionally are a more
stubborn, durable type of person, contrast to most
women. Comparably, you may liken a man to
Tupperware. We even come with the "burp" feature
as well. If you want to take care of your
Tupperware, you just throw it in the dishwasher.
It doesn't matter, because we know Tupperware doesn't
get hurt that easily, and it needs a good tough
scrubbing sometimes. Tupperware is very useful,
and I'm not trying to say that men are dispensable.
Although we tend to be very sturdy and usually most men
need direct, and blunt correspondence.
Women:
Ladies are a much more
different type of person. We may liken a lady to fine crystal.
You would never throw that in the dishwasher. You gently hand clean
the crystal with a loving touch. No abrasive cleaners for the crystal,
instead you take your time, and you cherish her. You don't even place
the crystal in the same place or manner that you would Tupperware. You
hold it in a place of honor, and you show it for all it's beauty. Fine
crystal may be a "weaker vessel" but that doesn't make it less important.
In fact, I would say it makes it the most important. Treat her with
respect.
The
scripture actually completes by showing that God does
not mean this in a derogatory way at all. The very
next part of this verse says to show a woman "honor as a
fellow heir of the grace of life". How can you
take this verse as demeaning towards a woman since it
says it's very purpose is for men to show a lady honor
as a fellow heir. The completion is even more
astounding. It not only tells you to do this
because "God says so", but it gives you a practical and
spiritual ultimatum. Do this, or your prayers,
conversations, and desires to God will in fact be
hindered. Why would God take your prayers into
consideration if you treat a lady like a piece of old
Tupperware? Respect her, don't bully her, lead her
to seek Christ all the time. Love her as Christ
still loves the church. Be faithful to your God,
and also to her, and be willing to give up all, just to
be with her. Honor and Cherish her like God tells
you to!!
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