October 7

Likewise, ye wives... Likewise ye husbands. — 1 Pet 3:1,7

The religion of Christ has its definite teachings for everybody.

In this chapter wives and husbands come in for lessons of their own. The Christian wife should want to win her own husband for Christ. In this she can do best, not by perpetual nagging, but by making her own life so attractive, that her husband will be convinced of the reality and the power of the Christ that is in her.

It is right for the wife to dress beautifully, but the adorning that will give her the widest influence as a winner of souls is not that of the body – the braiding of the hair, the wearing of jewels, or the putting on of showy cloths. A woman’s real adornment is not of the body, but of the life and character; as Peter put it, “the incorruptible appeal of a meek and quiet spirit.”

There is a word here also for husbands. They are to be gentle, patient, kind, thoughtful, using their strength for the comfort and help of their wives.

In this lesson lies one of the secrets of a happy wedded life.