“In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered” 1 Peter 3:7, New Living Translation.

My brothers, the Lord wants to bless you with that promotion on your job. He wants to give you that desire of your heart that you’ve been praying for. However, there is one thing that can hinder our prayers from being answered, and that is how we treat our wives.

In the 21 years I’ve been married to my wife, I have never once cursed at her, raised my voice at her, hit her or cheated on her. By the strength of God, I have loved her as Christ loves the church and gave Himself for it. As a result, God’s blessings and overflow in my life are abundant. He blesses me as His son and has not withheld any good thing from me because I obey Him where my wife is concerned. I do it not only out of love for my wife, but out of my love and reverence for God.

My brothers, we can wonder why things aren’t falling into place. Could it be the result of not treating your wife with love and respect? Even if your wife isn’t living according to God’s word. Even if she is being disrespectful to you, God still holds you responsible to love her, and He promises you that as you love her and treat her right, He will hear your prayers and He will answer you.

Prayer: Father, forgive me for any way I have mishandled and mistreated your creation. I repent for any harmful words I’ve said or any hurtful actions done. From this day forward, I ask that you help me love her as Christ loves the church. Bless me to be a blessing to her, not a source of hurt or pain. I trust you, God, and I receive your strength. In Jesus’ name, Amen.