There is so much good information available to learn and understand the role that physical intimacy plays in a marriage. It truly is ordained of God and is meant to enable His children to become like Him, enjoying the blessings of procreation. In the talk by Sean E. Brotherson, titled “Fulfilling the Sexual Stewardship in Marriage”, featured in the Meridian Magazine, he talks about the value and importance of intimacy of all types in marriage: physical, emotional, and spiritual.
He shares a quote by President Harold B. Lee that says, “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; emphasis added) I loved the idea that sexual intimacy was created with a “holy impulse for a holy purpose” and to me that offered so much clarity to why the drive is so great and the result so powerfully unifying for a married couple in creating oneness.
Brotherson added, “In our spiritual lives, we are counseled to return to the temple often after we have received our personal temple blessings to give of ourselves in service to others and be reminded of the great and powerful meanings of the standards that we have committed ourselves to live. Likewise, in our marital lives, a frequent return as a couple to the union of sexual intimacy makes it possible to give of ourselves in service to each other and be reminded of the commitment we have made to unity and fidelity and love to our marital companion. What a powerful blessing this can be to a marriage relationship! And so, how disappointing it is when couples allow themselves to drift from seeking solutions in this area of marriage or fail to recognize that their inhibitions may be robbing them of marital blessings.”
I really appreciated this analogy. I love the temple and I yearn to be in that sacred space as often as possible. I also love the feeling of renewal, power, peace, and strength I receive each and every time I go. Just as powerfully, I can receive those same blessings when I share intimacy with my husband. It is in our sacred space with one another we can be renewed together, and find power, peace, and strength in our union with one another. And thus, I am reminded of the beautiful value of physical intimacy for a holy purpose.
Marriage Matters 