The Gift of Marital Intimacy
Although marital intimacy isn’t the normal topic of conversation, many Christian couples find themselves wondering what is acceptable according to scripture. While the world attempts to bring many issues and shame to this area, the Word gives us promises, and the ability to work through them.
Before discussing a few gifts of marital intimacy, let’s first talk about what it is.
For starters, marital intimacy is a privilege given by God. He has given this blessing as a way for spouses to connect with one another on a deeper level. It is also a characteristic of a healthy marriage. With these things in mind, read on to discover three specific gifts of marital intimacy.
The Gift of Marital Intimacy
The Gift of Freedom
“Adam and his wife were both naked, and they felt no shame.” – Genesis 2:25
Despite the world’s push for the “perfect body” or a physical appearance pleasant to the eyes, Genesis 2:25 holds the key to true freedom in marital intimacy – no shame. Yes, things were a bit different before the sin of man; however, there is a valuable lesson for married couples to learn here.
The gift of freedom in marital intimacy is rooted in a soul-knitting connection that deepens over time. It should not be based on appearance or performance, rather than a committed love for those who trust in Christ. When a couple is less focused on what they look like, they can enjoy each other in much more meaningful ways – without guilt and shame.
The Gift of Bonding
“That is why a man leaves his father and mother and is united to his wife, and they become one flesh.” – Genesis 2:24
Another gift of marital intimacy is the bonding that takes place between a husband and wife. A man leaves his father and mother to be united with his wife, in which the two then start a new journey together. The act of bonding is another gift that is nurtured over time.
Within a marriage, there are many things that couples can experience – having children, miscarriage, health, sickness, and so on – but, what will last is the bond created between the two. As a husband and wife pursue each other through intimate service and self-sacrifice, they experience God’s blessing beyond measure.
More Gifts from Marital Intimacy
The Gift of Pleasure
“May your fountain be blessed, and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth. A loving doe, a graceful deer – may her breasts satisfy you always, may you ever be intoxicated with her love.” – Proverbs 5:18-19
Scripture doesn’t hold back with the vivid imagery of (sexual) intimacy between a husband and wife. Within Proverbs and the Song of Solomon, we can see that God intends for marital intimacy to be something deeply enjoyable. On the other hand, this doesn’t mean that it will always be fun or easy.
Part of God’s design involves navigating between the union of two people who are always growing and changing. The key is to ensure you are growing and changing in positive ways that complement one another while always seeking to build strong marital intimacy.
Overall, the gift of marital intimacy is a direct reflection of God and His amazing creation. In the moments when it doesn’t seem as blissful as you had imagined, keep these things in mind:
- Trust God. As a couple, pray and seek God together to help get past any issues, awkwardness, bitterness, or anything that would attempt to hinder your growth.
- Communicate. It is important to always feel comfortable communicating with your spouse. This is one of the ways marital intimacy is cultivated.
- Be content. True contentment begins with being satisfied in God. One of the best ways to truly experience marital intimacy is to delight in the One who gives the gift.
Always remember… by faith, receive what God has given; trust that He is good; and, know that He intends it for our good.
“You are good, and what you do is good; teach me your decrees.” (Psalm 119:68)
More to Consider
