[Devotional] IN HIS PRESENCE: Sexual issues in marriage (1)

Read: Proverbs 5:1-23

Meditation verse:

“The husband should fulfil his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfil her  husband’s needs” (1 Corinthians 7:3, NLT).

Sex was created by God as an expression of love between a husband and a wife:  to provide physical, emotional as well as spiritual bonding. “Therefore, a man  shall leave his father and mother and be joined to his wife, and they shall  become one flesh” (Genesis 2:24). Your sexual experience in marriage enhances your wellbeing. Sex is also a key cause of marital strife. Since God created sex,  He knows how destructive it can be if used in the wrong context, hence He set  very specific boundaries for it. It must be within a marriage. “Flee fornication.  Every sin that a man doeth is without the body, but he that commits fornication  sins against his own body” (1 Corinthians 6:18).  

Today’s bible reading is an allegory of faithfulness in marriage. Couples are  enjoined to drink water from their own cistern and never allow their springs to  overflow unto the streets. Sex is likened to a spring or river, which if contained  within the banks (marriage) will lead to enjoyment and satisfaction. If the spring  exceeds the banks and spills unto the streets, great devastation can occur. Keep  your marriage bed pure and stay faithful to your spouse. God’s purpose for  marriage is for a husband and wife to always enjoy a sexually fulfilling  relationship regardless of how long they have been married.  

Maintaining a healthy and fulfilling sex life in a marriage requires a conscious  effort on the part of both parties. According to Psychologist and marriage  counsellor, Dr Richard Nicastro, sex is not always simple and straightforward. A  whole range of factors can negate the experience of sexual fulfilment in a  marriage. An underlying physical or medical condition, or the side effects of  prescription drugs can impact a man’s libido. The demands of child rearing,  juggling work and housekeeping can wear a woman down and cause sex to drop  to the bottom of her list. Emotional issues such as unresolved anger,  unforgiveness, or resentment can result in a total loss of sexual desire. Harbouring a grudge is like cancer, it will eat deep into the fabric of your soul. It  will eventually destroy every element of your marriage and not just your sexual  relationship, because when you feel deeply hurt by your spouse, it is impossible  to give yourself wholly to them.

IN HIS PRESENCE is written by Pst (Mrs) Oke Chinye, Founder of The Rock Teaching Ministry (TRTM).

For Prayers and Counseling email rockteachingministry@gmail.com

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