1 Corinthians 7:3 (NKJV) 3 Let the husband render to his wife the affection due her, and likewise also the wife to her husband.
There are some topics that can be sensitive, and even difficult to approach and teach due to that sensitivity.
This is one such topic. It deals with matters that are of a private nature between a husband and wife. Yet it is important enough to warrant wading into it despite its sensitive nature.
When a man and woman become husband and wife, they are entering into a relationship that God lays out specific requirements for. It is a union based on vows (a contract) that are binding in His eyes.
Part of any marriage is physical intimacy. It is how God has created us, and how He has ordained the marital relationship to be.
In the verse above, God’s word clearly states that the man and woman are obligated to render to each other the affection (physical intimacy) that they are due (in need of).
It is not honorable for one or the other to withhold this physical part of the relationship from their spouse.
Physical intimacy should never be used as a bargaining chip. It should not be withheld from the other by one as a means of getting their way or making demands of the other.
1 Corinthians 7:4 (NKJV) 4 The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does.
Respect and honor must be given by both in this area.
Abstaining from physical intimacy should only be done by mutual consent by both parties, usually for the sake of dedicating oneself to prayer and fasting.
And when that is done, it should be only for a time, after which the couple should come back together so as not to fall to temptation due to lack of their desires being satisfied.
1 Corinthians 7:5 (NKJV) 5 Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
And finally, intimacy is not something that should be forced on one by the other. Again, there should be mutual respect and agreement between the two in all matters related to physical intimacy.
Physical intimacy is something that God designed to be beautiful and fulfilling between a married couple.
Let it be kept and upheld as such, honoring God in the process, and strengthening the marriage relationship.
Pastor Curt & Pastor Ellie
Seven Seas Ministries
49 N Lamplighters Walk
Hampstead, NC 28443
401-439-3780
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