Winning {him} Without a Word

"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." 1 Peter 3:1-2

  To have any hope in accomplishing this as Christian wives, may we be encouraged to turn to the Gospel of Jesus Christ every single day*. Sometimes several times a day. For if we depend on our own strength, we most assuredly will fail to win our husbands without saying a word. Our words can often times be muddled with hurt, blame, deceit, manipulation, and gasp! -- pride. As often as we like to think ourselves "morally" good, we know our hearts are "desperately wicked" in all of its desires and have no hope of true salvation apart from God's redemptive work in us (Jer. 17:9; Mark 7:20-23; Psalm 73:13; Eph. 2:10; Eze. 36:26). 

     Moreover, we must choose to "take every thought captive to obey God" (2 Corin. 10:5). This can only be accomplished by the Holy Spirit's divine work in us (Phil. 2:13; Heb. 13:21). Be encouraged therefore knowing that as we work out our own "salvation with fear and trembling", "it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure" (Phil. 2:12-13, emphasis mine). 

     For further reading and study, Keri Seavy, blogger at Biblical Counselling Coalition (BCC), pastor's wife, women's leader and biblical counselor, wrote, what I believe to be, a practical and helpful article on this very matter. You can find her recent article here.

*Note: I would like to encourage you If you are in an abusive or unsafe relationship, please seek immediate help and counseling. This message is not intended to give any legal or psychiatric counsel or otherwise in any way.