Counsel #22 — Gift of Intimacy

Picture: Counsel #22 — Gift of IntimacyCR 198.1

Since the inception of sin in Eden, sex has been sold as a public performance, a form of entitlement, or the quickest means of personal gratification. Today, movies, music, and social media reduce it to a physical act, detached from commitment or spiritual meaning. Unfortunately, these views have subtly taken root even in most marriages. Whenever sex becomes transactional or a duty to check off, something sacred has been distorted and lost.^{[205] https://madaboutmarriage.com/2022/07/22/intimacy-givers-intimacy-killers-in-marriage/} CR 198.2

From a Christian perspective, God designed sex to be far more than physical. From His perspective, within marriage, the sexual union was to reflect covenant love - a mutual offering of trust, joy, and vulnerability. 1 Corinthians 7 teaches that husbands and wives are to care for one another’s needs with respect and consent. This doesn’t mean obligation! Rather, it means invitation. In God’s view, sex is holy because it mirrors the intimacy He desires to share with us. When honored in the marriage relationship, sex builds connection, eases tension and promotes emotional closeness. When misused through pressure, neglect, shame, or selfishness, the marriage will suffer. God calls us to reclaim the sacredness of sex and to honor each other by stewarding the beautiful gift of intimacy He gave us.^{[206] https://www.adventist.org/marriage-and-the-family/reclaiming-intimacy/} CR 198.3

“Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure, for God will judge the adulterer and all the sexually immoral.” Hebrews 13:4 NIVCR 198.4

“The marriage covenant covers sins of the darkest hue.” Ellen White in A Solemn Appeal, p. 171CR 198.5

Reflect: How do you treat sex as a sacred gift in your marriage?CR 198.6