Likewise, ye wives, be in subjection to your own husbands; that, if any obey not the word, they also may without the word be won by the conversation of the wives; While they behold your chaste conversation coupled with fear. Whose adorning let it not be that outward adorning of plaiting the hair, and of wearing of gold, or of putting on of apparel; But let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit, which is in the sight of God of great price. For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection unto their own husbands: Even as Sara obeyed Abraham, calling him lord: whose daughters ye are, as long as ye do well, and are not afraid with any amazement. Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honour unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
The local church is an organism that moves, breathes, grows and sometimes dies. It certainly is not an organization as many would have it. Rather as an organism, it changes slightly with the makeup of the people within it. If we have been associated with the church very long then we will well be aware of some characters in our assembly. One person loves to sing loudly, another prays so quietly it is hard to hear. We see a lot of people but don't know them; are acquainted with some but not really friends. Often this group grows smaller as we segregate into age divisions. It is so easy in our congregations to have our own mini-church. Our text today encourages us to live in harmony with each other as a couple, family and by extension as a church; and because when we are working and worshipping together, a richness of sound can ascend to our Father above. The verse encourages the Christian in four ways to add resonance to the harmony.
Firstly, sympathy is needed, followed by brotherly love, and on top of which is compassion and humbleness. Like strings on an instrument, these blend together in the true harmony for God. However, being in this harmonious condition is not a temporary occupation. We are encouraged to live in this state, night and day, year in and out. Our harmony must be greater than any pop song, played better than any orchestra. It involves the strings of our hearts, the sinews of our soul worked with Fingers of tenderness and skill. Our home, family and the local congregation could be a place of heavenly harmony; but can only become like that when everyone works together.
