Physical Intimacy Ordained of God

My daughter and I recently had a discussion on intimacy. She brought up how she was taught the importance of chastity, and understands the importance of sexual purity. However, she felt unsure and unprepared for the blessings of physical intimacy in a married union. As a parent, I feel I could have emphasized the purpose of physical intimacy rather than focusing on the don’ts,“ Do not have any sexual relations before marriage.” This is important for our youth to know and follow, but I feel I missed the opportunity to share the blessings of intimacy in the Lord’s plan.

Focusing on God’s purpose for physical intimacy would have invited the spirit to testify to my daughter’s personally of the sacred powers of procreation.

If I have an opportunity to teach my daughter’s more about Physical Intimacy, here are some principles I would teach:

Physical Intimacy Ordained of God

Our world teaches to indulge in lust. It is essential to know we are experiencing a “natural man” journey.

“Behold Satan hath come among the children of men, and tempteth them to worship him; and men have become carnal, sensual, and devilish, and are shut out from the presence of God.” (Moses 6:49)

We experience feelings and urges, yet we must learn self-control and discipline. Satan would like us to misuse our sacred powers of procreation therefore; we need to comprehend the righteous purpose of physical intimacy.

“Sex is for procreation and expression of love. It is the destiny of men and women to join together to make eternal family units. In the context of lawful marriage, the intimacy of sexual relations is right and divinely approved. There is nothing unholy or degrading about sexuality in itself, for by that means men and women join in a process of creation and in an expression of love.”

- President Spencer W. Kimball, The Teachings of Spencer W. Kimball, ed. Edward L. Kimball [1982], 311

Physical intimacy is a to give yourself whole-heartedly to your spouse. It allows trust and love to flourish and strengthen the bonds of husband and wife. The world removes the sacredness of physical intimacy, and focuses on physical gratification.

The Lord has asked that husband and wife become one. Physical intimacy is not only physical it is a spiritual act as well.

“I would speak of something that is most sacred. When we were created, Father in Heaven put in our body the capacity to stir powerful emotions. Within the covenant of marriage, when properly used in ways acceptable to both and to the Lord, those emotions open the doors for children to come to earth. Such sacred expressions of love are an essential part of the covenant of marriage. Within marriage, however, the stimulations of those emotions can either be used as an end unto itself or to allow a couple to draw close in oneness through the beautiful, appropriate expression of these feelings between husband and wife. There are times, brethren, when you need to restrain you feelings. There are times when you need to allow their full expression. Let the Lord guide you in ways that will enrich your marriage.”

-Richard G. Scott, “The Sanctity of Womanhood,” Ensign, May 2000, 37; emphasis added.

Each of us is a son or daughter of God, and we need to treat each other with love and respect. It takes time to learn to love, and trust one another. Patience is needed for love to develop.

“Both husbands and wives have physical, emotional, psychological, and spiritual need associated with this sacred act. They will be able to complement each other in the marriage relationship if they give tender, considerate attention to these needs of their partner. Each should seek to fulfill the other’s needs rather than to use this highly significant relationship merely to satisfy his or her own passion. Couples will discover differences in the needs or desires each partner has for the relationship, but when each strives to satisfy the needs of the other these differences need not present a serious problem. Remember, this intimate relationship between husband and wife was established to bring joy to them. An effort to reach this righteous objective will enable married couples to use their complementary natures to bring joy to this union.” A Parent’s Guide, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

It is essential to remember that our purpose should be to bring joy to our marriage. Consideration for each other should always be a priority. Developing a joyful union requires honest and thoughtful communication.

“Physical intimacy between husband and wife is beautiful and sacred. It is ordained of God for the creation of children and for the expression of love between husband and wife.” https://www.lds.org/youth/for-the-strength-of-youth/sexual-purity?lang=eng