Be One
“For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh. … What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder” (Matthew 19:5–6).
Intimacy is a sacred expression of love that embodies the essence of trust, reverence, nurturing, and bonding between a husband and wife. It is beautiful and pure when expressed within the bounds God has set. It is holy and sacred. It is fragile and must be carefully nurtured and protected. It is not just physical, but emotional and spiritual as well. It is how life is created and sustained. It is ordained by God to be good and to invite a husband and wife to become one and have joy.
When intimacy is sacred between a husband and wife, they shun sexualized media and literature that offends the Spirit. Pornography destroys trust and the beauty of sacred intimacy. When intimacy is selfish it is unfulfilling and void of joy. When intimacy is selfless and sacred, the Spirit edifies, enhances, and fortifies true love.
When a couple is sealed together as husband and wife, they are each invited to receive the other. The word receive has significance in the gospel of Jesus Christ. To receive a gift of immense value and eternal worth means that you will cherish, treasure, and express gratitude for such a gift. In marriage, a husband and wife can find true joy as they seek to receive each other—physically, spiritually, and emotionally.
Here are some ways to keep the sacred gift of intimacy in marriage beautiful, pure, and fun:
- Study the word receive and discuss how significant it is within the gospel of Jesus Christ. Share what you learn and continue to seek its fullest meaning.
- Be very careful in what you read or watch about intimacy. Prayerfully counsel together and avoid any media or literature that offends the Spirit. Protect the sacredness of this beautiful expression of love.
- Communication is essential in intimacy. Share anything that makes you feel uncomfortable. Be open in sharing what makes you feel received and loved. If you feel stuck in your intimacy, prayerfully seek counsel from trusted sources.
- Talk about ways to share intimacy that keeps your marriage fun, exciting, and vibrant. Plan regular getaways to connect and enjoy being together.
- Find joy in discovering all aspects of your interests, hobbies, talents, and desires together. Plan trips to enrich and enliven your relationship.
Reflections
- What does “Trust is a higher form of love” mean to you?
- Why is the word “receive” so powerful in the gospel of Jesus Christ and marriage?
- Why did God create intimacy and say that it was good?