Living Like Jesus at Home
How we treat the people closest to us is one way that we show others what we actually believe about Jesus.
For the most part, it’s easy to be kind to people we see once in a while. The real test is how we treat the people we live with every day. Peter turns his attention to husbands and wives here, and what he says can help us see how Jesus wants us to think about our family relationships.
A note for parents: Peter is speaking directly to husbands and wives in this passage, so some of his instructions won’t apply to children in the same way. Don’t feel like you need to explain everything before reading it together. As you talk about the passage, help your kids see that the same call to honor and care for the people around us reaches into every relationship in our home.
Let’s look at what he says.
Bible Focus
“Likewise, wives, be subject to your own husbands, so that even if some do not obey the word, they may be won without a word by the conduct of their wives, when they see your respectful and pure conduct. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear—but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.
Likewise, husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to the woman as the weaker vessel, since they are heirs with you of the grace of life, so that your prayers may not be hindered.”
Devotional Thoughts
Peter is talking about marriage here. He gives wives and husbands specific instructions about how they should treat each other, and he reminds husbands that their wives are fellow recipients of God’s grace. I have to believe his words challenged how many people thought about marriage in his day.
But this passage also gives every family member something to think about. The people we live with get to see our faith lived out in the little things we do each day. They see how we respond when we’re tired, frustrated, or don’t get our way. Following Jesus should shape how we treat those people.
That could mean showing patience when your brother or sister annoys you, paying attention when Mom or Dad asks you to do something, or choosing kind words when you’re upset. For parents, it means remembering that our kids are watching how we speak to each other, handle disagreements, apologize, and forgive.
Not every family has the same people living under one roof, but every family has relationships where we can practice honor, patience, and grace. Wherever God has placed us, we have opportunities to show what it looks like to follow Jesus.
Family Questions
These questions are here to help your family talk about what you’ve read. Adapt them however you think will work best for your family.
Peter talks about what is happening inside a person’s heart, not just what they look like on the outside. Why do you think that matters?
What do you think it means to treat someone with honor? What does that look like in our home?
How does knowing we all belong to Jesus change how we should treat each other?
Family Prayer
Father, thank You for giving us Jesus as the example of what it looks like to love others well. Help our family treat each other with honor and grace, not just when it’s easy but when it’s hard. Remind us that the way we treat the people closest to us reflects what we believe about You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
This Week’s Challenge
Look for one specific way to show honor to someone in your family this week. Maybe it’s listening without interrupting, helping without being asked, speaking kindly, or letting someone else go first. Ask Jesus to help you do it.
Explore More 1 Peter Devotions
Follow His Example | 1 Peter 2:18–25 | 5-Minute Family Devotions
Honor Everyone | 1 Peter 2:13–17 | 5-Minute Family Devotions
Living Like You Belong | 1 Peter 2:9–12 | 5-Minute Family Devotions
Family Discipleship Recommendations
Looking for more ways to disciple your family? Explore Bible studies, devotionals, and practical tools here: Family Resources at Discipleship Cliff
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