PURITY

“Wives, in the same way be submissive 

to your husbands so that,

if any of them do not believe the word, 

they may be won over without words

by the behavior of their wives, 

when they see the purity 

and reverence of your lives.”

I Peter 3:1-2

hupŏtassō⁵²⁹³ – to subordinate: reflex. to obey: - be under obedience (obedient), put under, subdue unto, (be, make) subject (to, unto), be (put) in subjection (to, under), submit self unto.

hagnŏs⁵³ – prop. clean, i.e. (fig.) innocent, modest, perfect: - chaste, clean, pure.

            Several couples have shared with me that the woman became a Christian first, and ultimately her husband came to Christ due to her consistent, Christ-like behavior. One man shared that he even tried to make his wife miserable about her faith. He’d go to church with her but make sure they had a fight on the way causing her to enter church red-eyed from tears. He teased and mocked her, but she still treated him with respect and love. Her purity and reverence were evident even though he was sometimes successful in frustrating or angering her.

            Eventually, he went to church with her and really listened to what the minister said. He met the Lord Jesus and has never been the same. Their marriage became stronger as the husband became active in church. Their three boys were raised to love the Lord and treat women with respect.

            People watch our behavior, even in our own homes. May others always see Jesus in our actions and hear him in our words.

            Father, help me to be modest, chaste, and reverent. Help me to be submissive to authority and to show your love to those who do not yet know you.