“Rather let it be the hidden person of the heart, with the incorruptible beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which is very precious in the sight of God.” 1 Peter 3:4
The Lord works in such beautiful ways. But sometimes, those ways can be uncomfortable. Like when I just spent some of my husbands lunch break complaining or nagging rather than encouraging or loving. And almost immediately the Lord convicts and reminds me of what He values in my role as a wife.
Colten has an hour for lunch everyday. We usually spend it together unless I have appointments or other plans. It’s a sweet time in the middle of our busy days that we can enjoy being with each other. And most days, that is exactly what happens.
Except last Tuesday. Last Tuesday, I had unrealistic expectations (they can get us into so much trouble sometimes!) I was quarrelsome and one complaint led to another. Before I dropped him back off at work, I realized that I had spent more of the hour being critical than anything else. I apologized and he gracefully forgave me and we kissed goodbye. Even though he accepted my apology and he won’t bring it back up (he really is so patient and kind to me!) I know that I caused his lunch break to be more of a stressful time rather than a time of encouragement.
I didn’t have a chance to finish my lunch (probably because I was too busy complaining) so I ran home to eat before continuing my errands. I decided to go ahead and read because I hadn’t done so in the morning like I usually do. Also probably another reason I spent more time complaining! And that is when the Lord literally laid out before me what He desires of wives in their role in marriage.
1 Peter 3:1-7 is giving instruction to husbands and wives. We all know that outward beauty isn’t nearly as important as inward beauty but that rather it’s what is in the heart that is important. 1 Peter 3:3 talks about that. But verse 4 goes on to say that having a gentle and quiet spirit is very precious in the sight of God. That is what is of great worth to God. Ouch! Talk about conviction. My actions certainly didn’t honor the Lord and my spirit definitely wasn’t gentle and quiet.
And so, when he got home I apologized again. I shared what the Lord had brought to my attention during my reading time and we continued to talk and hug it out!
I truly desire to be a wife who has a gentle and quiet spirit. One that honors the Lord AND my husband. And though I am not perfect and will no doubt mess up again, I pray that the next time I am tempted to complain or be quarrelsome, I’ll choose instead that which is of great worth in God’s sight. I certainly can’t do it on my own, but with Christ’s power in me!
Our husbands need us to come along side them, cheer them on and encourage them – we are on the same team! We are their help meet!
Maybe you are reading this and aren’t married. It certainly applies to all of us as women! Gentleness is a fruit of the Spirit, after all! It can be so easy when we are hurt or offended or just having a bad day to respond incorrectly. And that is one reason why spending time with the Lord is so vital! As we spend time in the Word and seek to be more like Him, He transforms us.
How are you doing with cultivating a gentle and quiet spirit? Leave a comment below so I know I’m not alone!
May we seek to honor the Lord inwardly so that what comes out honors Him as well!
That She May Know 