I Peter 3:7, conclusion

Here's our focus verse, one more time:

Husbands, in the same way be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect as the weaker partner and as heirs with you of the gracious gift of life, so that nothing will hinder your prayers. (I Peter 3:7)

For the past couple of studies, we have focused on the "respect" portion of this verse....now I'd like to zero in on that last phrase:

 so that nothing will hinder your prayers. (I Peter 3:7b)

I had always looked at the end of the verse and thought it was just a general statement....how the prayers of a husband and a wife are hindered if they don't mutually submit, and respect each other. But as I have studied this week, I'm convinced that Peter has a particular type of prayer in his mind as he writes these instructions.

Remember that as we have studied, we have seen a recurring theme.... a thread that has run through each chapter. Peter has been telling us again and again how we should live -- in order to be examples to others. He has told us that in this "pagan" world, we need to shine so that God will receive glory, and unbelievers will be drawn to Him.
Because of that, I believe that the prayers Peter is referring to here are the prayers that a believer is praying, for his or her unbelieving spouse to come to a saving faith in Jesus.

Many times in our prayer request posts, and in private correspondence, too, I've heard about the people that some of us are praying for. People who are family or friends, or folks who we know because of business relationships..... many of us have people on our hearts, and we pray for them to be saved from their sin and start a new life in Christ.
Because of our concern for others, we have a natural, human tendency to take things into our own hands. We may have the best of intentions, but Peter points out that this kind of behavior may be counter-productive! Sometimes what we have to do is just back off, treat the other person with consideration, and not try to badger them into the kingdom of God. Sometimes we just need to trust God for the results and be a little more mellow -- but continue to pray for that person, and to model godly behavior!
I'm not saying a total "hands off" attitude. Nope. But there are times when if someone is resistant to God's Word, consideration is better than constant conversation. (Grin)
And another thing....Peter isn't making a guarantee here, that our unbelieving family member or friend will promptly respond to the Word. We need the leadership of the Holy Spirit to move forward, to know when talking is good, and when it becomes badgering. When we are dealing with someone who has been resistant to the Word, and pushed aside the gospel, the most effective things that we can do are to love them, to treat them with respect, and to pray for them.....and trust our Father God to change their hearts.

I'm going to suggest that we write down the name of an unbelieving person we are praying for. Maybe more than one. Let's pray that God will draw that person to Himself. And let's also pray that God will reveal to us some steps that we can take to develop our inner beauty. Let's ask His help in treating that person with respect and honor. If we have been guilty of badgering that person, confess that to God, and ask for forgiveness. Then let's trust God for the results.

See? I told you this was not just for husbands!! (Grin)
See ya next time!