Intimacy in Marriage

I am not married nor am I well researched in sexual intimacies so this week I will be sharing a lot of information from some wise men that know what they are talking about. 😊

Growing up, I fell into a category of people that Sean Brotherson described as being sheltered from an understanding and knowledge of sexual intimacy. He stated, “But it is also important to understand that it is okay, as Latter-day Saints, to ask such questions and to seek meaningful answers.”

He then went on to answer the following, “Why is sex important?” I have been asked. I believe it is important for a variety of God-ordained reasons, but particularly because it is a reminder of the need to give of ourselves in marriage to our spouse. President Harold B. Lee taught:

“The divine impulse within every true man and woman that impels companionship with the opposite sex is intended by our Maker as a holy impulse for a holy purpose, not to be satisfied as a mere biological urge or as a lust of the flesh in promiscuous associations, but to be reserved as an expression of true love in holy wedlock.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church, 2000, p. 112.)

Brother Barlow adds, “We also believe in the good that can be derived from the appropriate use of intimacy in marriage. We are well aware of the joy and unity that can come to a married couple when this particular dimension of the marital relationship is nurtured.-

While creating children is an integral and beautiful aspect of marital intimacy, to use it only for that purpose is to deny its great potential as an expression of love, commitment, and unity.

When we see sexuality as a vital part of marital harmony and happiness, it becomes more than something we simply give or receive. I like to think of it as something a husband and wife can share. It might be called a sexual guardianship.”

Intimacy in a marriage has the power to draw a couple together and unite them in a way that is otherwise impossible. It allows a couple to display love as well as procreate. There are no blessings that I can see that are greater than the opportunity to create human life through marital intimacy. This gift is appointed by God and should be celebrated and kept sacred.

References:

Barlow, B. A. "They Twain Shall Be One: Thoughts on intimacy in marriage,": Thoughts on intimacy in marriage", Ensign, Sept 1986, 49.

Brotherson, S.E. (2003). "Fulfilling the Sexual Stewardship in Marriage." Meridian Magazine, www.meridianmagazine.com.