Here we go, the one thing we all shy away from talking about: sex. The number-one cheek brightener, conversation faux pas, “I’d rather not” hot topic. But why? Shouldn’t we be talking about it all the time? I’d say so. Even more so in these times.
On the sixth day of creation, God created two sexual human beings. He literally made a man and a woman, and part of his plan for them was to have sexual desires. Yes, ladies, that means you were created to desire your husband.
So why is sex so important in a Christian marriage? Because sex is meant to bond you with your spouse. It wasn’t meant to be a chore, an item on your to-do list, or even a punishment. It was meant to create a bond with your spouse that encourages and fosters the culture of serving one another inside and outside the bedroom. The Bible clearly commands us to be fruitful and multiply and encourages us to have sex as much as we desire. The purpose of sex, commanded by God, is to glorify Him, bring forth children, express intimacy, provide comfort, and bless the pants off your spouse. Literally. People can experience a lot of favorable highs amid the throes of the physical sensations in a relationship without marriage, but the real delights and joy of pleasing God in this area require the commitment and intimacy found only in the covenant of marriage.
Sexual union between husband and wife can bring glory to God as it is experienced in fulfillment of God’s design and purpose to provide pleasure, companionship, intimacy, and by fulfilling the command of God to fill the earth. So why aren’t we talking about it more and encouraging couples to dive in and focus on one of the really fun parts of saying, “I do”?
Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself up for her.
— Ephesians 5:25
While sex is an important part of the marital relationship, it’s not the most important. Marital success is not at all based on sexual success. Rather, if there is a truly Christ-centered marriage, that will be the key to the most meaningful and fulfilling sexual relationship. Before sexual unity, there must be a spiritual and mental unity called companionship. Now, get out there and practice what you preach!
Let the husband fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband.
— 1 Corinthians 7:3