Scriptures: 1 Peter 3:1-6

The greatest cause of conflict in any Christian marriage flows from a husband and wife not understanding their God-given roles and differences. When we understand how God not only made us, but fashioned us to complement each other in a marriage relationship, we can respond by giving our spouse what they need, and receiving what we need. In this two-part message, Dr. Merritt speaks to wives, and then husbands, about their respective roles in marriage. The New Testament tells us the wife is commanded to respect her husband, and that the husband is to love his wife. Each of these roles and needs provides husband and wife what they need. Dr. Merritt explains how husband and wife can effectively serve and communicate with their spouse, and as a result avoid much of the conflict and tension that is the downfall of so many marriages.

"Wives, let me tell you something you are going to learn the easy way or the hard way. First, you are not going to change your husband. In fact, that is not even your job. Your job is to let God change you and let God change Him. Secondly, you are not going to nag your husband into anything whether it is becoming a believer, if he is not, or becoming better if he is. Peter said that if you will show your husband that you respect him for who he is and that you are willing to submit to his leadership and by your pure behavior show there is no need for him to worry about you ever getting involved with someone else, you can win that husband over to your side without even saying a word. So, first of all focus on how you respect your husband." --Dr. Merritt

Note: This is the first of a two-part message, the first pertaining to the wife, and the second to the husband, that are designed to be taught one after the other. (See Frayed Part 2 Below)

Keywords: the knot, man, woman, husband, wife, marriage, covenant, connection, Jesus Christ, church, married, relationships, love, respect, focus, relate, respond, Abraham, Sarah, Peter, wedding ring, index finger, ring finger, fear, purity