“Do Not Hinder Prayer!”

“Do Not Hinder Prayer!”(I Pt.3:1-7).
Dear friend, what great joy as we continue to drink from the fountain of grace! For the gift of another day, we thank you, LORD.
Today, we are reflecting on a healthy relationship between husband and wife. Peter has received a barrage of criticism from some female theologians who accuse him of relegating the woman to a second-class person in marriage.
When Peter says, “Wives, in the same way submit yourselves to your husbands…”, which “the same way” is he talking about?
In the same way as he had earlier stated that Christians should submit themselves to every authority instituted among men: whether to the king, as the supreme ruler…”(2:13&14).
This is followed by a similar demand for slaves to submit themselves to their masters with all respect, not only to those who are good and considerate, but also to those who are harsh…”(2:18f).
Peter’s request for the woman to submit herself to her husband is “stooping to conquer!” Women submit to their husbands “so that if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behaviour of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives.”
For Peter and truly so, a woman’s beauty “should not come from outward adornment, such as elaborate hairstyles and the wearing of gold jewellery or fine clothes.”
True beauty comes out of a woman’s inner self, “the unfading beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is of great worth in God’s sight.” This is the kind of beauty that was exhibited by biblical holy women like Sarah and others.
Arrogant male chauvinists use this text to justify male supremacy in the marriage home. This is an aberration. Male chauvinists ignore the second part of the text stating: “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.”
Another aberration to the text is the interpretation that some Christian groups use in causing their women to dress in shapeless attires and zero jewellery.
No doubt that some women exaggerate their dressing – dress to kill attire – but without inner beauty, the external glamour does not appeal to majority men.
Married couples should not only follow Peter’s advice to keep their homes intact; they should do so to keep the family of God’s people together. Exaggerated adornment, especially in Christian gatherings, can be a distraction that hinders the prayers of many.
When we seek the face of God, we receive wisdom that builds inner beauty. Such inner beauty is the citadel from where all virtues come out for us to put into practice.
Weekend prayer: Holy Spirit, inspire married couples to cultivate inner beauty that binds their unions together. Amen!
Have a blessed weekend! Peace be with you!
Rev Babila Fochang.
22/08/2025.