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What is Intimacy?
- Although the word ‘intimacy’ is not used in the Bible, the concept is found there. Husband and wife are to function as one rather than two.
"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and they will become one flesh."Genisis 2:24
They need a way to relate to one another that does not cause conflict but encourages harmony.
- The meaning of ‘oneness’ can be further understood by the words used to describe physical intimacy or the sexual union.(This is often what people first think of when they hear the word intimacy). We will be discussing this topic in a different post.
- True (or emotional) intimacy has a lot to do with how much we share our hearts with our spouse.
o It takes a commitment of time and effort on both sides. Conversations and experiences must bring the couple together in such a way that they understand one another’s beliefs, thoughts, and dreams.
Today, I want to talk about how "true intimacy" can grow in a marriage.
Three ways to grow in intimacy:
Personal sharing- Conversation between spouses must be honest, other-focused and true.
Personal sharing- Conversation between spouses must be honest, other-focused and true.
o We need to share about our true selves. This is where and when growth begins to take place.
o Growing in intimacy means learning, on a much deeper level, more about your spouse every day.
o Sometimes we don’t want to offend the other. It is good to think about the other; timing is important. But because of the closeness of relationship, we need a better approach, a more open, relaxed, and accepting approach.
Mutual understanding- learning as a couple to become vulnerable to each other without destabilizing the relationship.
o Has one great side benefit that we are often oblivious to. It cripples the evil one’s tactic of using misunderstanding and assumption to stir up trouble.
o increase our trust in one another
o It means the each must be able to trust the other to be loving, kind, uncritical, and patient with them.
Deepening commitment- engaging in special conversations and shared experiences for mutual trust to grow.
o a firmer commitment evolves
o Are one-hearted: We are committed to each other and no other.
o Our faithfulness to bettering the other spouse is more important than our own self.
o The spouse's life becomes most important to you.
o Is a life-long process.
o Love is the expression of unconditional, genuine concern for the other.
This is often where couples miss the target of keeping a marriage close. It is so important to stay open and honest with each other, with kindness, of course. It is also important to make every effort to let the other feel loved, appreciated, and cared for, so that they can also feel safe and understood when they open up their heart..
Remember, it is a life-long process. Once, or twice, or three times won't take care of this area in a marriage. The need for it is immense. And it needs to happen often. So, if there is an issue of staying close emotionally, sharing one's deepest thoughts, and spending time together, look to God for wisdom. Seek professional help, if the problem is too overwhelming or doesn't seem to get resolved. God intends for our marriages to be strong and happy.
Information Source: http://www.foundationsforfreedom.net/Topics/Marriage/Great_Marriage/GM08_Intimacy.htmlWishing you His blessings on your life
and in your relationships today and always!
3 gifts that made you laugh
554. Friends at Bible Study, joking and being silly.
555. When I hear my son's girlfriend laugh...her laugh is very contagious. I love hearing it and she laughs often because she is a happy person!
A gift salty, a gift sweet, a gift just right
557. Salty- fresh, warm tortilla chips, dipped in salsa
558. Sweet- sweet tea
559.Just right- warm homemade apple crisp, topped with vanilla ice cream.
557. Salty- fresh, warm tortilla chips, dipped in salsa
558. Sweet- sweet tea
559.Just right- warm homemade apple crisp, topped with vanilla ice cream.
3 gifts found in His Word
(I love Scripture or quoted signs!)
560. Deuteronomy 6:4-9
562.Psalm 46:10
3 gifts found in women today
563. Time spent with a friend (lunch).
564. Helpful information about a house shared by a friend.
565. Time spent in prayer together with other believing women.
A gift sung, written, painted
566. Sung- Being able so sing at church (in spite of losing most of my voice from a cold
567. A new book("Selections From 1000 Gifts")by Ann Voskamp (I just got it)
568. {Soon to be painted} Some beautiful wood signs I am making myself.(I'll post them when I get them finished!)
3 gifts almost gone
569. My voice is nearly gone today (It looks like I may have strep throat)
570. Energy – I am tired today, resting to gain my strength back.
571. Our neighbors. Watched as they loaded the moving semi today. They will officially be gone in 2 days. We will miss them.
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