The story of the travel mug and the tea cupby Jimmy Stewart(Parable of 1Peter 3:7 Husbands, likewise, dwell with them with understanding, giving honor to the wife, as to the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life, that your prayers may not be hindered. NKJV)

Once upon a time there was a travel mug and a tea cup. The robust travel mug rose every morning to the deep smell of fresh brewed coffee. He spent many happy days with the master rumbling to work in the mug holder. Other mornings he got to hang out working in the yard or garage. Then there were those special expeditions spent fishing and hunting.

The travel mug had a special little friend, the tea cup. The fine china tea cup listened every morning for the whistle of the kettle and the steeping of the tea in the china tea pot. She spent many happy days with the mistress eating toast and jam in the kitchen. Other mornings she got to savor time in the parlor when ladies stopped by. Then there were those special entertainments in the dining room spent serving up pastries and other delectable desserts.

Travel mug always looked after tea cup. He made sure she had the best spot in the dishwasher rack, away from any bouncing and hard pots and pans. He always made sure she got the back spots in the cupboard while he guarded the front edge of the shelf. He didn’t mind an occasional flop on to the counter and bounce and frolic on the kitchen floor. To him this was fun but for tea cup this would be a fatal fall.

Travel mug admired tea cup’s beautiful colors and intricate designs. Even though he did the same job he exalted how she did her work with such delicate grace. His greatest request to the master was that they could spend many more useful years serving in this home.

What if the husband is not fulfilling what the Lord wants in this verse, than your (plural) prayers are hindered or “cut off”. (same words in Matt 5:29,30 as “plucking out” eye and “cutting off” hand) So his and hers and their prayers are hindered in a brutal way. Prayer is one of the most important components in our intimacy with our Savior Jesus Christ. So all the years and times I didn't fulfill this verse, I was stifling both our growing closer to God. And any advances were pushed back

by consistently falling short. Marriage reflects Christ's love for His Bride the church. Being united in grace should draw them closer to Christ.