WEEK 51 – DAY 1

VALUING OTHERS IS MEASURED IN TIME

In the same way you married men should live considerately with [your wives], with an intelligent recognition [of the marriage relation], honoring^G5092 the woman as [physically] the weaker, but [realizing that you] are joint heirs of the grace (God’s unmerited favor) of life, in order that your prayers may not be hindered and cut off. – Otherwise you cannot pray effectively. 1 Peter 3:7 (AMP)

G5092 timē – a value, i.e. money paid, or (concr. and collect.) valuables; by anal. esteem (espec. of the highest degree), or the dignity itself: – honour, precious, price, some. (Strong’s)

If I read the above definition correctly, a husband should value his wife as most precious and esteem her to the highest degree. I think it interesting that the English transliteration of this Greek word looks like time because that is exactly how a woman knows that she is valuable to her husband…he makes time for her. This admonition for men to affirm their wives comes with a warning: if the man does not honor his wife and respect her, he cannot pray effectively. I believe this is not only true in the marriage relationship but in all our dealings with others. Recognizing the value in our friends and coworkers, taking time to show them appreciation, seeing fellow Christians as joint heirs, are keys to having right relationships horizontally. Snags in our earthly relationships can hinder our time with our Father.

Father, although we are both single, we can take to heart the message that we need to show honor to those we love. Help us also to encourage male friends to honor their wives.