Beyond Sexual Intimacy: Building Trust and Connection in Marriage

As Christian women, we know that a healthy marriage is built on more than just physical intimacy. While sex is an important aspect of your marriage and a beautiful connection it's not a solution

to marital tension or conflict. Encouraging couples to have sex when their relational intimacy is low can be harmful and even breed resentment.

The Bible teaches us that sex is a sacred act between a husband and wife, a symbol of their love and commitment to each other (Ephesians 5:32). However, sex without trust,

connection, and intimacy can be empty and even damaging. As the article states,

"Sex is not a solution to marital tension. Physical intimacy flows from healthy relational intimacy."

So, how can we build trust and connection in our marriages? Here are some key takeaways:

- Evaluate your friendship: How connected do you feel to your spouse? Do you feel seen and understood in your marriage?

- Address underlying issues: Are there patterns of sin or selfishness that are leading to separation or hurt in your marriage?

- Prioritize trust: How does each spouse feel about sexual intimacy right now? How would each spouse rate their level of trust in the other?

As counselors and mentors, our goal should be to help couples recover trust and intimacy slowly and over time. Pressuring them to have sex

when they're not connecting can only lead to more problems.

Questions for Reflection:

• What are some scenarios within marriage where abstaining from sex for a season would be wise and helpful?

• How might encouraging a couple to have sex when their relational intimacy is low be unhealthy for them?

• What additional questions could you ask a couple to evaluate their relational health?

Scripture to consider:

- Genesis 4:1, 25 - "Adam knew Eve, and she conceived."

- Ephesians 5:32 - "This is a profound mystery but I am talking about Christ and the church."

- 1 Corinthians 7:5 - "Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.

Although sex is a beautiful and intimate aspect of marriage, it's not a solution to marital tension or conflict. Building trust and connection in marriage requires effort and commitment from both partners. By evaluating our friendship, addressing underlying issues, and prioritizing trust, we can create a strong foundation for a healthy and fulfilling marriage.

Remember that sexual intimacy is a gift from God, reserved for the sacred union of marriage between a husband and wife. May we honor God's design for sex and relationships, and may our marriages reflect the love, commitment, and faithfulness that Christ has for the church.