Don't deprive your spouse

The last few days I have been pondering and praying about how I should write about the subject matter of physical intimacy in marriage. It is not something that I generally have conversations with others about. However as I talk about having Godly Marriages I don't think this subject can be ignored. In fact I think it is pretty important!

  Not only does the Bible specifically talk about this issue but if you are involved in a marriage or have done any reading on marriage you will realize that it is important. God has specifically made the males to need this in their marriage (women do as well but they don't generally feel the need as much) and how we deal with this in our marriage can do a lot to strengthen or weaken our relationship.

  The verse that I find to really speak strongly to this issue is:

  "The husband must fulfill his duty to his wife, and likewise also the wife to her husband. The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does; and likewise also the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Stop depriving one another, except by agreement for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer, and come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." 1 Corinthians 7:3-5

I guess what I would like to suggest is that each of us read those verses and really ask ourselves: "Are we doing what that says we should do?"  Are we giving of ourselves fully to our husband or are we saying "I'm to tired", etc. and in that way depriving him?

 Let's work at glorifying God by following His word!