Summer Fruit Devotion: Gentleness Day 4

Gentle & Quiet

“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. Do not let your adorning be external—the braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wear— but let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God’s sight is very precious. For this is how the holy women who hoped in God used to adorn themselves, by submitting to their own husbands, as Sarah obeyed Abraham, calling him lord. And you are her children, if you do good and do not fear anything that is frightening.” 1 Peter 3:1-6

Ladies, this is a tall order. It’s so much easier to do our own thing and have our own way. It’s so much easier to pretty up our face with makeup, try the latest pinterest braid in our hair and wear nice clothes rather than work on our spirits. Adorning requires intention and attention. A gentle and quiet spirit doesn’t just happen by accident and it doesn’t happen overnight. Yes, we are to take care of our bodies because they are home to our spirit, but we better not neglect our spirit. This applies even if you aren’t married yet. We are not only our husband’s (future husband’s) bride, but also the bride of Christ. So wash yourself with the water of the word daily. When you feel like screaming sing a worship song instead. And ladies, giving your husband the silent treatment might be “quiet” but it is definitely not “gentle.” Do you consider yourself a holy woman who hopes in God? Then adorn yourself with the beauty that never fades, a gentle and quiet spirit which is precious to God. You have nothing to fear since God is taking care of you regardless of what your husband does. The miracle here is that God might even use your attitude to change your husband’s heart.

Journal time. Are you a gentle wife? Do you submit to your husband? Is your conduct respectful and pure? Remember gentleness is the opposite of self-serving. Pray about these things.

Pray with me today. Heavenly Father, our only hope of being the wives you’ve called us to be is the work of your Holy Spirit in us. We want to be good wives so that you are glorified in the eyes of our husbands. Help us to give time and attention to adorn ourselves with the gentle and quiet spirit that is so precious to you. Help us to put all our trust and hope in you and fear nothing because you are taking care of us. Thank you for our husbands, bless them and let us be a blessing to them. In the precious name of Jesus we pray, Amen.