The answer is: With honour

1 Pet 3:7

In 1 Peter 3:7, we get a profound peek into the heart of an ideal marital relationship, as Peter strongly emphasizes the essence of mutual respect and honor. By encouraging husbands to “honor” their wives, Peter sets a tone that challenges the patriarchal norms of his time, suggesting that relationships thrive not just on authority, but on mutual recognition of each partner's inherent value.

It's fascinating to note that the word translated as "honor" carries deep significance. In ancient Greek, it often hinted at value or worth. This brings an even richer meaning: Peter isn’t simply asking husbands to be polite; he’s urging them to truly appreciate their wives as equals. This echoes throughout the Bible, revealing a startling reversal of the often male-dominated narrative of the times.

Interestingly, this verse appears right after the section about how women can have an influence in society without needing a powerful platform or voice—through their character and actions. In fact, many relationships throughout biblical history showcase strong, leading women: from Miriam, who guided Moses, to Deborah, who was a judge, or Priscilla, a teacher alongside her husband Aquila.

So, looking back at Peter's words, it reminds us that honoring and valuing another person, especially in marriage, reinforces love and strengthens bonds. It’s all about sharing life equally, bringing forth a more compassionate and understanding world from our homes.र्ति