I will conclude these thoughts on "Developing A Strong Marriage" by focusing on this topic: A Commitment To Share Intimacy. The Bible states in Genesis 2:24, " And they were both naked, the man and his wife, and were not ashamed". This important area of the marital relationship must not be overlooked, abused, abandoned, or ignored. Happy is the relationship that develops the satisfaction of true intimacy. The word "naked" simply means to lay bare. The thought is not just the absence of clothing, but the ideal of no hidden areas. No hang-ups. No embarrassments. No fears. There was total transparency. The complete absence of self consciousness. This gave Adam and Eve unrestrained freedom emotionally as well as physically. The absences of sin created this environment. How dif-ferent today. Scared, blinded, and engulfed by sin, humans struggle to relate freely and openly with each other. Therefore, intimacy becomes a frustrating struggle. It becomes a mixture of embarrassment, selfishness, and unfulfilled dreams and de-sires. God did not intend intimacy to be this way. You will notice in Genesis 2:22 that God brought them together. In Genesis 1:27 it was God that created them and His created beings were made with the potential to be stimulated, aroused, and able to enjoy to the fullest the complete expression of sexual delight. A strong word of caution is needed at this point. Intimacy must be reserved for, and engaged in, the bonds of holy matrimony. It is a God given relation that is exclusively for the hus-band and wife: male and female. Sexual relations outside of marriage is both morally, martially, and Biblically wrong. It always creates problems beyond mea-sure when it is engaged in outside of the marital relationship. God gives this de-lightful relation to the husband and wife to be enjoyed and shared together. Intimacy must not be one-sided. Both husband and wife must find the relationship enjoyable. It must never be forced, withheld, bargained for, or abused. God gave some awesome advice on the marital relation in I Corinthians 7:2-5. In verse 2 we find that it is to be within the marriage relationship. Verses 3-4 state that it must be unselfish affection with each other. And in verse 5 it is to be uninterrupted except by mutual consent. These very important verses need to be studied carefully by both husband and wife. Remember, if you would "Develop A Strong Mar-riage" you must have a Commitment To Share Intimacy.
