What does it look like?

"Wives, in the same way be submissive to your husbands..." (btw, "in the same way" means that something came before this that was related to what is now being said.  it's always a good idea to go back a few lines, or even a complete section, in the Bible to find out what it was that brought the writer to this place. in this case, people who believe in Jesus are being reminded of the hope that they have in Him, and what it means to live in a world that is lost.)

"...so that, if any of them do not believe the word, they may be won over without words by the behavior of their wives, when they see the purity and reverence of your lives." (1Peter 3) He goes on to say that looking pretty on the outside may win his heart for a moment, but when your beauty comes from inside, you could win him forever!  What a thought!

So, if we were doing this study together, in my living room, I'd have you look up the words:

* submissive * purity * reverence * gentle * quiet *

And then we'd talk about them.  We might also talk about: adornment, inner self, unfading, what it means to live like you don't (and do) believe in the word, and how it feels to win someone over.

Now, I may have lost some of you for a moment there.  But, hang with me for a minute...

There are so many young women who struggle with this. And many who are older, having missed the lessons in their younger days.  I'm seeing it over and over again - especially in girls.  And, if I'm honest, it's reflected in me, too.  We've missed the point... and the purpose!

So, here's what I'm thinking...

Does this only apply to wives?  A teen girl, for example, whose mother or father is harsh, mean, demanding.  Isn't it natural to return contempt with contempt? (that's a good word to look up, too.  i don't know why we don't do more contrasting word studies.)  And what's the response of the parent? How do you encourage someone to display kindness when what she really wants to do is tell her mom off?  Does it matter?  YES!  

Imagine turning your household upside-down with a simple thing like a positive attitude, and a friendly smile!  Don't you believe in the Word?  And what's keeping you from being nice?  What's going on inside?  How much junk is clogging an outpouring of gentleness in your life (and mine)?!

"A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." (Prov. 15:1)  There you have it.  God says, "gentle > harsh"  In fact, there are positive results with gentleness, and a flurry of "negative emotion" when we are harsh, demanding and mean.  Go figure. 

Let's apply it...

What does it mean to function without contempt... what is a gentle and quiet spirit?... does kindness count?  ... how can this apply more broadly?... what are the tendencies of women, young and old?... do you (I) believe the word of God?

Discuss... ;)