We started looking at and examining God's instructions to married men in 1Pet 3:7.

There are 7 basic things in that scripture that I want us to take note of. As we carefully examine these 7 instructions, I believe we will get an understanding of what is required of us as married men.

In today's devotional, I will attempt to give a brief explanation of each of those 7 instructions.

1. Married men should live considerately with their own wives.

This means you should always put your wife in perspective in everything you do or think. Don't do things without considering the person of your wife.

It is not just about being right or wrong, it's about putting your wife into consideration.

2. Intelligent recognition of the marriage relation

You have to live on the realization of what marriage is all about. It is a 100 + 100 = 100 and not 50 + 50 = 100. In marriage, you give and take.

3. Honoring the woman (wife)

Honoring your wife is so important. In all your actions, let honor not be lacking. It's not only the women that should give men honor, men also should.

4. Physically the weaker.

Obviously, women are not weak mentally, spiritually, psychologically, socially et cetera, but definitely weak physically.

5. Realizing that you are joint heirs of the grace of life.

It is important every married man walk with the consciousness that your wife is a partaker together with you of God's grace.

6. That your prayers be not hindered and cut off.

Not realizing the marriage relation and treating your wife with consideration and with honor can hinder your prayers and blessings.

7. Otherwise you cannot pray effectively.

Being authoritative, domineering, and insensitive can and will make your prayers to be ineffective.

I believe if all married men can stick to obeying these instructions, their marriage will fulfill heaven's mandate.

The explanations here are not exhaustive.

I pray for strength for us to obey these words.

God bless your marriage.

CONFESSION FOR THE DAY
I will treat my spouse well. My prayers will not be hindered.

PRAYER FOR THE DAY
Oh Lord, help me to treat my spouse well.

THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
1 Pet 3:7 (AMP) In the same way you married men should live considerately with [your wives], with an intelligent recognition [of the marriage relation], honoring the woman as [physically] the weaker, but [realizing that you] are joint heirs of the grace (God's unmerited favor) of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered {and} cut off. [Otherwise you cannot pray effectively.]

ACTION PLAN FOR THE DAY
Do the above.

BIBLE READING FOR THE DAY
1 Pet 3