According to Scripture, there are two sexes – male and female. The sex of a person is decided at conception and the One who decides the sex of each person is God. The Bible reveals that each of these sexes are different and that they have different roles. We may not like it, but it’s true. Men are created physically stronger than women. This is why it irks me when I see men (who were created a man but transitioned to a women) allowed to play in women’s sports. Just because they believe they are a women and they put on heels and make-up doesn’t mean their DNA has changed. They are still a man… a man who is physically stronger than a woman.
In addition to the differences at creation, men and women have different roles. Again, we may not like it, but it’s true. Peter is speaking to women (wives) in the third chapter of his letter. He says that women should clothe themselves with a gentle and quiet spirit. This mandate is specifically for women. Our key verse says that this kind of spirit in women is precious to God. When I’m reading God’s Word and I come across a verse that says… “This brings glory to God.” Or “This honors God…” I stop and reflect upon it. I want to please God. I know you do, too.
Just about every family has in their mist someone who stirs things up. They are responsible for division in the family. They will argue to the death about something. And they will use whatever means to do it… nasty words, silence, alienation, condemnation, or judgment. These people do not want to see the family get along. In fact, they love drama and fighting. You may be nodding your head in agreement because there is someone in your family, in your group, in your community who I’ve just described. As women, we should strive to be the opposite.
So, what does it mean to have a gentle and quiet spirit? It means that I don’t stir things up, that I don’t get involved in arguing and bickering, that I stay away from gossip, that I try to build others up and not tear them down. It means that I promote peace and unity. It means that I love no matter how difficult it may be. It means that I listen to people and not always try to get my opinions across. It means that I always try to be the peacemaker. And this includes in every relationship, including my marriage.
You may be thinking… oh my goodness, this is so hard. I’ve never really had a gentle and quiet spirit. I was brought up to fight for everything. I was taught to do whatever is necessary to get what I want. Here’s the thing… you and I CAN have this kind of spirit. But it comes from a deep place of contentment. We will never have this spirit if we are dissatisfied with our life. Contentment can be learned (as the apostle Paul says), and I believe the way it’s learned is through nurturing an intimate relationship with Jesus. If we start by sitting with Him and listening to what He has to say, then we will learn to live in His sufficiency. Let’s strive for a gentle and quiet spirit today.