THE VALUE OF INTIMACY IN MARRIAGE

By Rev. Samuel Arimoro

Main Text: Genesis 2:24
Supporting Texts: 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, Proverbs 5:18-19, Ephesians 5:31-33, Hebrews 13:4

INTRODUCTION:

Intimacy in marriage is more than physical closeness; it encompasses emotional, spiritual, and intellectual bonding between husband and wife. A lack of intimacy often leads to misunderstandings, emotional disconnection, and even marital breakdown. God designed marriage to be a union where intimacy thrives, bringing joy, fulfilment, and a deeper understanding of His love.

1. UNDERSTANDING INTIMACY IN MARRIAGE

a) Definition of Intimacy (Genesis 2:24)
Intimacy means becoming one flesh, sharing deeply in every aspect of life—spiritually, emotionally, and physically.
b) God’s Design for Intimacy (Ephesians 5:31-32)
Marriage reflects the relationship between Christ and the Church, built on love, trust, and closeness.
c) Intimacy as a Covenant Bond (Malachi 2:14)
Marriage is a divine covenant, and intimacy strengthens this bond, ensuring unity and faithfulness.
d) The Role of Communication (Proverbs 18:21)
Open and honest communication fosters emotional intimacy, allowing couples to understand and support each other.
e) Biblical Example: Adam and Eve (Genesis 2:25)
They were naked and unashamed, symbolising complete openness and trust in their marriage.

2. THE BENEFITS OF INTIMACY IN MARRIAGE

a) Strengthening Emotional Connection (Proverbs 5:18-19)
Emotional intimacy fosters joy, love, and companionship, making marriage fulfilling.
b) Enhancing Physical Bond (1 Corinthians 7:3-5)
Physical intimacy is God’s gift to marriage, creating pleasure, unity, and exclusivity between spouses.
c) Deepening Spiritual Unity (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12)
Praying and worshipping together strengthens the spiritual connection, inviting God’s presence into the marriage.
d) Building Trust and Security (Hebrews 13:4)
A strong intimate relationship reduces temptations and builds trust, ensuring faithfulness.
e) Biblical Example: Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 26:8)
Their public display of affection showed a deep bond, love, and trust in their relationship.

3. BARRIERS TO INTIMACY IN MARRIAGE

a) Unforgiveness and Resentment (Ephesians 4:31-32)
Holding grudges weakens intimacy, while forgiveness restores love and closeness.
b) Poor Communication (Proverbs 15:1)
Harsh words and lack of understanding can create emotional distance between couples.
c) External Distractions (1 Corinthians 7:35)
Work, social media, and responsibilities can hinder intimacy if not properly managed.
d) Unresolved Conflicts (Matthew 5:23-24)
Failure to resolve conflicts can lead to bitterness and emotional disconnection.
e) Biblical Example: Michal and David (2 Samuel 6:20-23)
Michal’s contempt for David created a rift in their marriage, leading to emotional and relational distance.

4. HOW TO BUILD INTIMACY IN MARRIAGE

a) Prioritising Time Together (Ecclesiastes 9:9)
Couples should intentionally spend quality time together to strengthen their bond.
b) Expressing Love and Affection (Song of Solomon 1:2-4)
Words of affirmation, gestures of love, and physical closeness reinforce intimacy.
c) Praying and Studying the Word Together (Matthew 18:19-20)
Spiritual intimacy grows when couples seek God together in prayer and Bible study.
d) Meeting Each Other’s Needs (Philippians 2:3-4)
Selflessness in marriage fosters a deep connection and enhances intimacy.
e) Biblical Example: Elkanah and Hannah (1 Samuel 1:8)
Elkanah showed love and care for Hannah, demonstrating the importance of emotional intimacy.

5. THE ROLE OF INTIMACY IN A LASTING MARRIAGE

a) Preventing Infidelity (Proverbs 6:27-29)
A strong intimate relationship reduces the likelihood of external temptations.
b) Maintaining Passion and Romance (Song of Solomon 4:9-10)
Keeping the spark alive in marriage brings joy and strengthens the marital bond.
c) Fostering Unity and Oneness (Genesis 2:24)
True intimacy allows couples to function as one, making decisions together in love.
d) Enhancing Emotional Stability (Colossians 3:14)
Love and intimacy help in handling stress and challenges in marriage.
e) Biblical Example: Priscilla and Aquila (Acts 18:2-3, 26)
Their partnership in ministry and life shows the power of unity and intimacy in marriage.

CONCLUSION:

Intimacy is the lifeline of marriage, encompassing emotional, physical, and spiritual closeness. When properly nurtured, it brings joy, stability, and a lasting bond between husband and wife. A Christian marriage should reflect God’s love, built on trust, selflessness, and deep connection.

PRAYER POINTS:

Lord, help me build true intimacy in my marriage.
Father, remove every barrier that hinders closeness in my marriage.
I receive grace to love and communicate better with my spouse.
Lord, strengthen the emotional and spiritual bond in my marriage.
I declare that my marriage will reflect Christ’s love for the Church.
Every plan of the enemy to destroy intimacy in my home is cancelled.
Father, help us to prioritise time together as a couple.
Lord, teach us to express love and affection in our marriage.
I declare peace, joy, and unity over my marriage.
Our love will grow stronger with each passing day, in Jesus’ name.

PROPHETIC DECLARATIONS:

Your marriage will experience divine intimacy and unity.
Every hindrance to love and closeness in your home is removed.
Your relationship will be filled with understanding and joy.
The bond between you and your spouse will never be broken.
God’s grace will keep your marriage strong and fulfilling.
Every plan of the enemy to create distance in your marriage is cancelled.
Your marriage will be a testimony of God’s goodness.
Love and trust will increase daily in your home.
Your union will bring glory to God and be an example to others.
You will enjoy the fullness of intimacy as God designed it in your marriage.

A marriage without intimacy is like a house without a foundation. Strengthening intimacy ensures a lasting and fulfilling marriage, reflecting God’s perfect design.

CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE ☎️ +2348037640583

Wednesday, 12 March 2025