This verse from the Bible tells wives how the Lord wants them to relate to their husbands. As I was studying it in-depth earlier today, the Holy Spirit showed me how applying these principles to ALL of our relationships can make them healthier and more pleasing to God. That would include our relationships with our parents, our children, our siblings, our in-laws, our coworkers, our employers, our friends, and of course, our spouses.

Notice that we are told to do what is right without ANY fear. And then the Scripture goes on to define specifically what that means. “Be respectful...BUT...” And here come some conditions that a lot of us often miss.

“Don’t give in to intimidation.” If someone deliberately tries to bully, browbeat, or threaten us, we are NOT to give in to their intimidation. This kind of manipulation can come in the form of direct threats and ultimatums. Or it can be more subtle when others give us “the silent treatment.”

“Don’t allow yourself to be led into sin.” Some people may do their best to lead us into sin by encouraging us to compromise our Christian values. They are not thinking of what is best for us, but only what feels right to them. They have no respect for God or His Word, and the bottom line is that they have no respect for US.

“Don’t allow yourself to be harmed.” God expects us to establish boundaries that keep the good in, and keep the bad out. It is never God’s will for us to allow others to harm us physically, mentally, emotionally, or spiritually. It is OUR responsibility to be on guard against people who mean us harm.

I encourage you to do some soul-searching today, and to assess your relationships with the help of the Holy Spirit. Regularly consult the Lord about each and every one of your relationships, especially the ones that affect you most. Pray for His wisdom and discernment. Ask Him to give you the strength you need to say ‘no’ to the people and things He wants you to. In God’s sight, being respectful NEVER involves opening yourself up to intimidation, manipulation, or harm. This is why today, I urge you to be respectful, but protect yourself!

Prayer: Lord, teach me how to have healthy and godly relationships that please and glorify You. Help me to rely on Your Spirit to reject every kind of intimidation, manipulation, and harm. Show me how to resist being led into sin, and guard me from compromising my Christian values. Thank You that as I practice being respectful while protecting myself, You will bless me with divine connections that enrich my life in every way!