MARRIAGE STILL WORKS DEVOTIONAL.
Day 23:
MARRIAGE STILL WORKS…WHEN HONOUR IS INTENTIONAL.
Key Scripture:
“Giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel… that your prayers be not hindered.” — 1 Peter 3:7
(Honor preserves dignity and invites God’s involvement.)
DEVOTIONAL THOUGHT.
Honor is one of the most powerful, yet often overlooked, foundations in marriage.
While respect is about how you treat your spouse, honor goes deeper, it is about how you value them.
Honor means:
• Placing high value on your spouse
• Treating them as important and precious
• Refusing to take them for granted
It is possible to coexist in marriage without truly honoring each other. When honor is absent, familiarity can breed carelessness, and carelessness can lead to hurt.
Many marriages begin with a high level of honor. Words are careful, actions are thoughtful, and value is clearly expressed. But over time, if not maintained, that sense of honor can diminish.
When honor declines:
• Words become casual and sometimes hurtful
• Actions become inconsiderate
• The sense of value begins to fade
However, when honor is intentional:
• Words are chosen carefully
• Actions reflect thoughtfulness
• The relationship is treated as precious
Honor also affects how you speak about your spouse in public and in private. A person who honors their spouse will not:
• Speak negatively about them carelessly
• Expose their weaknesses unnecessarily
• Diminish their value before others
Instead, they protect their spouse’s dignity.
It is important to understand that honor is not based on perfection, it is based on recognition of worth.
Your spouse is not honored because they are flawless, but because they are valuable and significant in your life.
Honor creates an atmosphere of safety, dignity, and appreciation. It strengthens emotional connection and invites God’s presence into the relationship.
Interestingly, Scripture links honor with spiritual outcomes; “that your prayers be not hindered.” This shows that how we treat our spouse affects our walk with God.
Marriage thrives when honor is not assumed, but intentionally expressed.
REAL LIFE REFLECTION.
A husband had grown accustomed to speaking casually and sometimes harshly to his wife, especially when he was upset. Though he did not intend serious harm, his words gradually affected her confidence and emotional well-being.
One day, he became aware of the impact of his words and decided to change. He became more intentional about speaking with kindness and treating her with dignity.
Over time, the atmosphere in the home changed. His wife became more relaxed and responsive, and their connection improved.
The difference was simple but powerful, honor was restored.
ACTION POINT. (Love in Practice)
Today:
• Speak and act in a way that clearly shows your spouse’s value
Treat your spouse as precious.
TALK ABOUT IT TOGETHER.
In what ways can we show more honor to each other daily?
PRAYER.
Father, teach us to honor one another in our marriage. Help us to value, respect, and treat each other with dignity. Remove every form of carelessness and restore honor in our relationship, in Jesus’ name.
CLOSING TRUTH.
Marriage still works, when honor is intentional and consistently expressed.
