Marriage from A to Z

“Without a Word!”

Did you know that you can win some battles WITHOUT A WORD?   I know that we have been taught that communication is key in a healthy relationship however, you don’t always have to use your words to get your point across.  This week’s post is all about the “WITHOUT A WORD” principle found in I Peter 3:1.

“Wives, likewise, be submissive to your own husbands, that even if some do not obey the word, they, without a word, may be won by the conduct of their wives, . . .

Although we can all put the “WITHOUT A WORD” principle into practice, this message is especially for married ladies who feel that they have to teach their husbands a thing or two.  I know this principle works because, I have put it into practice many times.  I have to admit, it is not always easy to apply and sometimes, it takes awhile before you see results.  You have to be consistent.  This principle can be a challenge because, sometimes you feel the need to say exactly what you want to say, when and how you want to say it.  If the way that you express yourself is offensive to your husband, you are not going to win.  Sometimes men will change for the moment just to get you quiet.  However, when you use the “WITHOUT A WORD” principle, God moves and creates a lasting change.

Let me explain, this principle does not mean that you give your husband the silent treatment.  It means instead of you constantly using your words (nagging) to teach him a lesson or to correct him, you can shh!!!  With the help of God’s Holy Spirit; you can be kind, loving and display godly conduct.  Men don’t like to be nagged.  The Bible says, “It is better to live in a corner of the housetop than in a house shared with a quarrelsome/nagging wife”  (Proverbs 21:9).    By using the “WITHOUT A WORD” principle, God will use your conduct to make a change in your husband.  “I have seen Him do it!”

In Biblical times, (under Roman law) Christian women who were married to unbelievers were instructed  by Peter not to preach to their husbands.  They were told that their best approach would be one of loving service and to demonstrate the love that Christ would show to the church.  By being an exemplary wife, husbands would join their wives in going to church and become a Christian (the power of a godly woman). As the old saying goes, “You can catch more flies with honey than with vinegar.”

Is it time for you to shh? If so, I pray that you would ask God to help you to conduct yourself in such a way that brings glory and honor to Him!  Let the Lord use you! Shh!

Until next week . . .

Carolyn