Ignite Your Marriage: 7 Days to Deeper Love & Lasting ConnectionSample

Understanding True Intimacy

Scripture:"Marriage should be honored by all, and the marriage bed kept pure."-Hebrews 13:4

Here's the truth about intimacy: it's not just about sex. Real intimacy is emotional, spiritual, and physical. If you're only focused on one, your marriage starts to feel like a three-legged chair missing a leg—it wobbles, it's unsteady, and eventually, it collapses.
Lisa and I figured this out the hard way. Early in our marriage, we thought intimacy was all about those romantic, heart-racing moments you see in movies. But life isn't a movie. Passion fades if it's not paired with connection. Over the years, we've learned that intimacy is so much more—it's about being fully known and fully loved in every area of life. And it takes work. Here's how we've learned to build true intimacy:

1. Emotional Intimacy: More Than Just Words
Imagine this: You and your spouse are sitting together, and for the first time in weeks, you're not talking about kids, bills, or schedules. Instead, you're connecting—really connecting—on a soul level. That's emotional intimacy. But here's the catch: it doesn't just happen.
Pro tip: Start small. Ask one meaningful question each day, like, "What's something that made you laugh today?" or "What's been on your mind lately?" These little moments create the foundation for deep emotional connection.

2. Spiritual Intimacy: The Heartbeat of Connection
A couple that prays together stays together. Sound cheesy? Maybe, but it's also true. Studies show that couples who pray regularly report higher levels of satisfaction and connection. Spiritual intimacy isn't about perfection—it's about growing together in faith.
Challenge: Take one step this week. Maybe it's praying before bed or reading a short devotional together. Even 30 seconds of shared prayer can start to align your hearts.

3. Physical Intimacy: Beyond the Bedroom
Here's a fun fact: hugging for 20 seconds releases oxytocin, the "bonding hormone." Physical intimacy isn't just about what happens behind closed doors. It's the little things—a kiss before work, holding hands during a walk, or a playful nudge when no one's looking. These small gestures create a sense of closeness that fuels everything else.
Reality check: If physical intimacy feels off, it's often because emotional and spiritual intimacy needs attention first. Fix the foundation, and the rest will follow.

Intimacy isn't a one-time achievement—it's something you build, brick by brick, moment by moment. The goal isn't just passion—it's connection. A marriage where you feel fully known, fully loved, and fully united. Start today. Ask a question, hold their hand, or pray together. The effort is small, but the reward? It's extraordinary.

Prayer: Lord, thank You for the gift of intimacy in marriage. Help us to nurture our emotional, spiritual, and physical connection. Remove any barriers that keep us from experiencing true oneness. Teach us to love selflessly and to honor our marriage as You designed. Amen.

Reflection:

· In what areas do you need to grow in intimacy with your spouse?

· How can you prioritize emotional and spiritual connection in your marriage?

· What small actions can you take today to foster deeper intimacy?