Unbelieving Husbands

”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.” 1 Peter 3:1

July 25, 2022

Christian wives can be married to non-Christian husbands for different reasons. In some parts of the world arranged marriages take decision-making out of the hands of the woman. Another reason can be because the wife comes to Christ while she is married to a non-Christian. This was a special problem in the first century Roman world where many men would have a pronounced devotion to a god and women were barred from joining the cult of that god. Though circumstances are different in our society, a woman who comes to Christ can find herself bound to a husband who is hostile to her new-found faith in Christ. It is also possible that a woman can willingly unite herself to an unbelieving man while knowing what she is doing. Romance and emotion can lead to wrong decisions. What is the Christian wife to do in a spiritually mixed marriage? If so, she must accept her God-designed role in marriage, namely, submission to the leadership of her husband. Much has to be unpacked in understanding this role. It is certainly counter-cultural. We hear that a woman needs a man like a fish needs a bicycle. But God’s way is for the Christian wife to see her presence in the home as an opportunity to win her husband to Christ. Remembering at the same time “husband-saving” is something that only God can do. The salvation of an unsaved spouse is a possibility, not a promise. Let’s resume this line of thought later, but for now despair must be replaced with hope. Hope that God gives joy, happiness if you will, to the woman or man who finds contentment in devotion to Christ above all things. H

A time for prayer: “O God of all grace and mercy, I recommit myself to being the spouse who is the light and joy of Christ in my home.”