The answer is: With honour

1 Pet 3:7

When Peter writes in 1 Peter 3:7 that a husband should treat his wife "with honour," he's tossing a delightful nugget into the marriage treasure chest. This instruction isn't just a little pat on the back for gender equality; it's revolutionary for the cultural norms of his time. Back in Peter's day, women didn' t always have the same rights and recognition that we think of today. By telling husbands to honour their wives, Peter is advocating for a relationship built on respect and kindness, reshaping how partners interact in a companionship that most definitely countered societal norms.

Did you know that the word "honour" (in Greek, "ttimonguéoo") can also convey the idea of valuing someone highly or seeing them as precious? Think about it: we might hear the "love languages" being tossed around in our discussions of healthy relationships today. Well, Peter is tapping into that concept long before modern psychologists, urging husbands to really acknowledge and cherish their wives.

The echoes of this idea resonate throughout the Bible, from the mutual partnership seen in Genesis to the analogies within New Testament writings. It stands as a tiny seed that grew in the Christian textual garden. Equally fascinating is the stance that mutual respect and dignity appear repeatedly—dishonouring one’s spouse might stir up more than just relational discord; it devours any distillation of genuine companionship! Isn't it refreshing to build relationships rooted in honour in any spirit?