1 Peter 3:7

The way that a husband behaves is also very important. Every husband should learn how to care for his wife. A man has a stronger body, so that he can protect his wife. He must not think that it is bad that she is weaker. God decided to make men and women different. But they will receive an equal *inheritance from God (Galatians 3:27-29). ‘Gift of life’ refers to their new *spiritual life. A husband should honour and respect his wife, because she is precious. If a husband behaves badly towards his wife, he does not obey God. It is difficult for people to pray together when they have *sin in their lives.

There is more teaching about husbands and wives in Ephesians 5:21-33.

Suffering for doing good

v8 Here is something else. You must all agree and sympathise with one another. Love each other because you are all members of the Christian family. Be kind and humble.

v9 You must not do evil things to a person who does evil things to you. Do not insult people who insult you. Instead, you must bless them. This is what God wants you to do. In that way you will receive his *blessing.

v10-12 The Bible says:
‘If you want to enjoy life and have good days,
then do not say evil things. Do not tell lies.

Do not do what is evil. Do what is good.
Look for peace and go after it.

The *Lord cares for everyone who obeys him. He listens to their prayers.
But the *Lord opposes everyone who does evil’ (Psalms 34:12-16).
v13 Who will hurt you, if you always want to do good things?

v14 However, you may suffer even when you do what is right. But God will bless you. The Bible says, ‘Do not be afraid and do not worry’ (Isaiah 8:12).
v15 Honour Christ in your heart as *Lord. People may ask you to explain the *hope that you have. Always be ready to answer them. Answer them in a gentle way and with respect. v16 Keep your conscience innocent. Sometimes people will say bad things about you, because you live a good Christian life. But they will feel shame. v17 It is better for you to suffer for doing right things than for doing wrong things. God may allow this to happen.

v18 Christ suffered and died once. It was for all time. He was not guilty of *sins. However, he died for everyone who is guilty of *sin. Christ did this to bring you back to God. People killed his body, but the Holy Spirit made him alive again.

v19 In the Spirit, Christ went and *preached to the spirits in prison. v20 A long time ago, they had refused to obey God. God was kind and waited while Noah built a big boat. Only 8 people did not die when God flooded the earth. God kept them safe as they came through the water.

v21 That water shows you what *baptism is like. It saves you. It does not save you because it washes dirt from your body. It saves you because God forgives you. Now you come to God with a clean conscience. It saves you because Jesus Christ rose from death. v22 He has gone into heaven now and is at the right hand of God. Even *angels, who have great authority and power, obey him.