The answer is: With honour

1 Pet 3:7

When Peter tells husbands to treat their wives with honor in 1 Peter 3:7, it’s a clear call for respect and cherishment within the partnership of marriage. This really speaks to a patriarchal society, where women's roles were often undermined. For Peter to urge men to honor their wives was groundbreaking, reminding them they are co-heirs of God’s grace. In essence, he was elevating the wife's position, coaxing equality with divine purpose.

Did you know that in ancient Jewish culture, there were blessings pronounced by a husband thanking God he wasn’t made a woman? That adds even more context to why Peter's advice was revolutionary. He wasn’t just repeating the established norms; he was flipping the script to foster mutual respect.

This notion of honor also reverberates throughout scripture. Proverbs frequently addresses how to value wisdom as one would a beloved companion. And it's interesting to see echoes of this sentiment as Paul also speaks to love and respect in his letters. Fast forward to the modern era, and this principle still stands—strong relationships thrive on mutual respect and support.

Furthermore, Peter’s timing in sharing these thoughts in a letter to scattered believers helps chart a course for how love manifests between spouses even amid trials. It’s a lesson that continues to resonate today, suggesting that relational harmony leads not just to personal fulfillment but also reflects the higher values of community faith—a wholesome connection treasured by all.