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Fidelity and Physical Intimacy


Fidelity and physical intimacy.  There is so much taboo around this topic.  It is very healthy to read from appropriate sources about sexual intimacy and to talk about it as well.  It is a gift from God and one that we don’t understand enough about. I am going to rely heavily on sources in this post as I want to share correct knowledge with you about this subject.

In the article, “They Twain Shall Be One” by Brent A. Barlow, he says, “Some people still believe that sexual intimacy is a necessary evil by which we have children. These people get an inaccurate view from parents who were too embarrassed to discuss such matters with their children or who were so concerned that their children live the law of chastity that they taught only the negative consequences of the improper use of intimacy.” (1986).  This can have such a poor effect on people when they hold this belief.  When they get to marriage, the thing that is ordained of God, seems to be a sin to people.  This is heartbreaking to me. 

Barlow continues, “President Kimball has observed: “The Bible celebrates sex and its proper use, presenting it as God-created, God-ordained, God-blessed. It makes plain that God himself implanted the physical magnetism between the sexes for two reasons: for the propagation of the human race, and for the expression of that kind of love between man and wife that makes for true oneness. His commandment to the first man and woman to be ‘one flesh’ was as important as his command to ‘be fruitful and multiply.’” (Quoting Billy Graham, Ensign, May 1974, p. 7.)” (1986).  Sexual intimacy is a beautiful expression of love and it is a means of bringing God’s children into this world, which is the greatest gift we could ever offer.  God created us the way we are so we can participate in this wonderful gift from Him.

Barlow finishes, “But 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.” (1986).  There can be so much joy and peace found when the act of sexual intimacy is done with respect, care, and love, and can bond two people more than anything else in this world. 

How do we remain faithful?  And what are the warning signs?  In the article “Fidelity in Marriage—it’s More Than You Think” by Kenneth W. Mattheson he shares that, “Fidelity includes refraining from physical contact—but that is not all. Fidelity also means complete commitment, trust, and respect between husband and wife. Inappropriate interactions with another person can erode fidelity…. Emotional infidelity, which occurs when emotions and thoughts are focused on someone other than a spouse, is an insidious threat that can weaken the trust between a couple and shatter peace of mind.” (2009).

I know as we come to learn more about sexual intimacy from the proper sources we will be blessed and understand that this is a beautiful part of God’s plan.  Nothing could be greater than the bonding we can feel with our spouse.

References:

Barlow, B. A. (n.d.). They Twain Shall Be One. Retrieved from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/1986/09/they-twain-shall-be-one-thoughts-on-intimacy-in-marriage?lang=eng.

Matheson Professor, K. W., School of Social Work, & Brigham Young University. (n.d.). Fidelity in Marriage. Retrieved from https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2009/09/fidelity-in-marriage-its-more-than-you-think?lang=eng.

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