by[5] “Do not deprive one another except with consent for a time, that you may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again so that Satan does not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” – 1 Corinthians 7:5 (NKJV)
Sexual intimacy is one of the key areas of every marriage. Research has shown that many couples who have sex multiple times a week stay happier and longer than those who have it a few times a month or even a year. Although this statistic is not so accurate because other areas in the marital relationship are equally important, scripture emphasises the need for couples to keep their sexual intimacy alive. Note, the key word is “couples,” not girlfriends and boyfriends.
However, there’s one justifiable reason couples can stay without sex for a while. That is when there’s a set time for fasting and prayer. Either a husband or a wife or both who chooses to embark on a spiritual journey to know God deeper through fasting and prayer must do so with the consent of the other spouse (or with mutual agreement if both do it). But why that?
- The human body doesn’t function at its best during periods of hunger. During fasting and prayer, one can become hungry and weak, making sexual intimacy, which also takes energy to do, very unconducive.
- Spiritual intimacy with God has a higher priority than physical intimacy. So, to give God all the attention and respect, it’s best for couples not to be sexually intimate until the fasting and prayer period is over.
But as soon as this period is over, the Bible says such couples should come together again, lest Satan tempt them because of their lack of self-control. You must understand that this verse was written initially unto the believers in the Corinthian church, who were noted for committing grievous sexual immorality. So, it’s not every spouse who lacks self-control when it comes to sex, although some do. But to be on the safer side, if you are a Christian and married, make sex a priority in your marriage. Don’t deprive your spouse of sexual intimacy without mutual agreement between you two.
You are a blessing.
Prayer:
Father, thank You for the gift of godly marriage, even in a perverse generation. Help us to keep Your standards of sexual purity at all levels in life. In the name of Jesus. Amen!
Devotional Code: KGD – 2026 – 207
Shareable Graphics
