Understanding Your Wife

You husbands in the same way, live with your wives in an understanding way

1 Peter 3:7

Maybe that's an inflammatory title. Most people say, "It's impossible to understand my wife. She's complicated. Men can't understand women." I agree. It's difficult, but I don't believe it's impossible. It's only impossible if we're unwilling to deny ourselves. We can do it if we're willing to let go of our egos, our preconceived notions and our pride.

How can it be done? Think of how you would start with anything else you wanted to understand. You would probably begin by examining it, taking to time study it and maybe even reading the manual. Our wives are the most intricate piece of "machinery" (This is guy terminology. Don't be offended women.) we've ever studied. So, it will take more time than we've ever put into studying anything else. We need to put lots of time into communication, quality time, and asking her about herself. We'll need to read the manual (the Bible and maybe a few marriage books). How long has it been since you read a marriage book? Maybe you should even read it together. I find this difficult, but very insightful. As you put time into your relationship. You will find that you begin to understand her, but that's only half the work. As you understand her, you need to unselfishly serve her in the way she wants to be served. Your immediate response might be, "but I'm the leader." Jesus said, "whosoever would be first among you shall be your servant." That's what He's called us to be. If we can humble ourselves, study our wives, understand them and serve them, it will have a huge positive impact in our homes, communities and churches.

Lord, help me to understand my wife. Help me to be willing to take the time to study her. Help me to unselfishly serve her. Help me to live with her in an understanding way as You've asked me to.