1 Corinthians 7:5
Do not deprive one another, except perhaps by agreement for a limited time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.
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I would dare to suggest that of all the places we search for the sustaining of wonder, most often it is in human sexuality. Few inclinations within our senses seem as mysterious and enchanting while at the same time can be so disappointing and hurtful. …….……. Ravi Zacharias
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This verse is one of those mind-blowers, because it says some things about sex in marriage that may be quite surprising, coming from the Holy Book.
First, it claims that God’s purpose is mutual enjoyment (one another). Each partner is to enjoy the gift of sex. It is not to be a one-sided thing.
Second is claims that a lack of sexual intimacy is to be the exception, not the rule (do not deprive . . . except . . . for a limited time). Do we view it this way? Do we see sexual intimacy as a necessary evil, or healthy intimacy as a vital part of marital harmony?
Third, it implies that the absence of healthy sexual involvement in marriage opens the door to Satan’s wiles (so that Satan may not tempt you). Although lust is a strong temptation for men (even in healthy marriages), its lures intensify as husbands are deprived of healthy sexual activity with their wives. Just as well, the lures of extra-marital romance (adultery or even romance novels) grow stronger for wives who are deprived of sexual satisfaction with their husbands.
So with the exception of medical complications, Paul’s words in this verse seem quite clear for married couples:
make love often;
work to satisfy one another physically;
cease only briefly for seasons of prayer.
Sexual satisfaction in marriage is not just a gift, but an essential. If we are ever dissatisfied or neglectful of this, let us stop at nothing to seek solutions, for the sake of not only our marriages, but also our sanctification.
It just never ceases to amaze me how our God desires for us to enjoy one another. We have 6 of the 10 commandments which speak of how we are to relate to one another. We have countless examples of Paul telling us to not think of ourselves, to think of others. We have Jesus who came to serve, not to be served. I was reading Jude the other day and even in one of the smallest books of the Bible is the command to not simply watch out for you, but be merciful to those who doubt (Jude 22-23). Over and over is that constant message of reach out to one another. So many of our sins occur because we selfishly feel we haven’t gotten what we wanted or what we think we deserve. We get distracted so many times thinking it’s all about me and my happiness and my enjoyment. Now, if I was god, it would be all about me; me and only me. Thank you Lord for one another. Thank you Lord for knowing what I need. Thank you Lord for the incredible joy and unity that is found in one another.