Thank God For My Design - The Importance of the Differences Between Man and Woman

“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.”

1 Peter‬ ‭3‬:‭7‬ ‭KJV‬‬

When I read 1 Peter 3, I was reminded of God’s magnificent creativity and intentionality in designing man and woman. God designed us with great purpose, as a part of His masterpiece. And God loves His masterpiece.

If God loves us so much, why would the scripture refer to women as the “weaker vessel” in comparison to men? This question is a result of an improper understanding of the phrase.

Society tends to view weakness as negative. This can cause a woman to take offense if referred to as a “weaker vessel.” However, if we know that God loves men and women equally and calls for the honor and protection of women, then we should understand that “weaker vessel” is not meant in an offensive way.

The design of man and woman is connected to God’s relationship with man and woman. Undoubtedly, men are designed to be physically stronger than women. Just as women are weak in comparison to man, man and woman are weak in comparison to God. However, God does not look at us in disgust for being weaker than Him. God looks at us in love, desiring to guide us, protect us, provide for us. God knows our weakness. He sees our needs. He extends His hand toward us to help us. He wants us to grab it. Our “bow” is reverence to Him. This is a better context for the phrase “weaker vessel.”

We ought not frown upon our differences, but remember God’s love for us through that weakness.

Our differences are important. Previously, I mentioned that the design of man and woman is connected to God’s relationship with man and woman. Ephesians 5:22-33 tells us that the marital union between husband and wife illustrates the union between Jesus and the church. God has called the husband to be the head of the wife, as Christ is to the church. God chose men to be the illustration for Jesus’ love for the church, and God chose women to be the illustration for the church’s reverence for Christ.

The differences between man and woman are not a reflection of unequal love toward us. I see God’s love for women in His commands that they be loved, cherished, and protected by their husbands. I see God’s love for men in His command that they be revered by their wives.

The differences between man and woman demonstrates God's value for us. God values us so much that He has called us to treat one another with love and respect, as in the Christ-church framework. It is a high standard that requires us to be submitted to God to achieve it. God set such a high standard because of His value for us. And He has designed us accordingly.

It is clear to me that God cherishes His creation. He intricately designed man and woman with great purpose. No part of our design was a mistake. It all reflects His love for us.

I thank God for my design. I thank God for His design of woman. I thank God for His design of man. I thank God for embedding His love for His creation in every detail.

Additional Reading

Ephesians 5:22-33