Mar 19 at 12:17pmManage Discussion Entry
One of the greatest gifts that God has given us is the ability to become unified with our spouse. This is possible through pure love, acts of service, active communication, intimacy, and many other attributes that strengthens a relationship. There is a wide range of views on sexual intimacy. Satan wants us to believe that sex is just a pleasurable act and nothing else. He also tries to tempt us to share this intimacy outside of marriage. Knowing what the gospel teaches, we believe that sex is a bonding act that should only be practiced within marriage between a man and wife. This is not necessarily meaning that we cannot hold hands and kiss those we date, however, Satan can tempt us into sharing intimate acts with others believing that intimacy solely within a marriage is not as sacred as it is. Physical acts of love is ordained of God within the bonds of marriage where the couple can feel bonded and enjoy the love shared with one another.
I love what Harold B. Lee had to say about marital intimacy. “The divine impulse within every true man and woman that impels companionship with the opposite sex is intended by our Maker as a holy impulse for a holy purpose, not to be satisfied as a mere biological urge or as a lust of the flesh in promiscuous associations, but to be reserved as an expression of true love in holy wedlock.” (Teachings of Presidents of the Church, 2000, p. 112). I was not surprised to have learned that one of the biggest reasons for divorce is the lack of intimacy. As mentioned by Harold B. Lee, marital intimacy is an expression of true love. If a couple is not being physically intimate, it takes away one opportunity to show one another the care that is felt. President Kimball states, “Couples may argue in private or simply isolate themselves in anger and emotional hurt, but to the world outside all may appear just fine. Too often a couple will admit to no one else, not even to themselves, that sexual difficulties are polarizing and paralyzing the love that they once committed themselves to share and sustain”. Sex is a huge part of marriage. It signifies closeness and unity and is an expression of true love that is most special within the bonds of marriage.
For Eternity 