Marriage is a sacred union designed by God to reflect His love and commitment to His people. In times of difficulty, such as a sexless marriage, turning to Scripture provides guidance, comfort, and clarity. The Bible emphasizes the importance of love, intimacy, and selflessness in marriage. These verses can help couples navigate challenges, foster communication, and seek God’s will for their relationship.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Living Together Before Marriage
God’s Design for Intimacy in Marriage
God created marriage to include intimacy as a vital part of the union between a husband and wife. This closeness strengthens the bond and reflects the unity God desires for couples. Even in times of struggle, it is crucial to remember and pursue God’s original design for marriage as outlined in His Word.
1 Corinthians 7:3-5
“The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs. The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife. Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.”
Genesis 2:24
“This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.”
Proverbs 5:18-19
“Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. She is a loving deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love.”
Song of Solomon 7:6-9
“Oh, how beautiful you are! How pleasing, my love, how full of delights! You are slender like a palm tree, and your breasts are like its clusters of fruit. I said, ‘I will climb the palm tree and take hold of its fruit.’ May your breasts be like grape clusters, and the fragrance of your breath like apples. May your kisses be as exciting as the best wine, flowing gently over lips and teeth.”
Ephesians 5:31
“As the Scriptures say, ‘A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.'”
Selflessness and Sacrifice in Marriage
Marriage is a relationship that requires selflessness and a commitment to serve one another. In challenging times, reflecting on Christ’s sacrificial love can inspire couples to prioritize their spouse’s needs and find joy in giving rather than receiving.
Ephesians 5:25
“For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her.”
Philippians 2:3-4
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
Romans 12:10
“Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”
Colossians 3:14
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
John 15:12
“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.”
Trusting God in Times of Struggle
When a marriage faces difficulties, including a lack of intimacy, it is important to rely on God’s strength and wisdom. Trusting in His plan and seeking His guidance through prayer and Scripture can provide peace and direction for couples.
Proverbs 3:5-6
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in all you do, and he will show you which path to take.”
Psalm 37:5
“Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him, and he will help you.”
Isaiah 40:31
“But those who trust in the Lord will find new strength. They will soar high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not faint.”
Romans 8:28
“And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them.”
Philippians 4:6-7
“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.”
The Role of Forgiveness in Healing
Forgiveness is a powerful tool in restoring broken relationships, including in a marriage experiencing challenges like a lack of intimacy. By forgiving one another as Christ forgives us, couples can heal wounds, rebuild trust, and foster deeper connections in their relationship.
Ephesians 4:32
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Colossians 3:13
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.”
Matthew 6:14-15
“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Mark 11:25
“But when you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your sins, too.”
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”
Also Read: Bible Verses for 50th Wedding Anniversary
Communication as a Foundation of Intimacy
Open and honest communication is essential in any marriage. Sharing thoughts, feelings, and concerns with one another fosters trust and understanding, helping couples navigate challenges and grow closer in both emotional and physical intimacy.
James 1:19
“Understand this, my dear brothers and sisters: You must all be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to get angry.”
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer deflects anger, but harsh words make tempers flare.”
Ephesians 4:29
“Don’t use foul or abusive language. Let everything you say be good and helpful, so that your words will be an encouragement to those who hear them.”
Colossians 4:6
“Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.”
Proverbs 18:13
“Spouting off before listening to the facts is both shameful and foolish.”
Relying on God’s Strength in Weakness
In times of struggle, it is essential to lean on God’s strength rather than relying solely on our own abilities. He is faithful to provide grace, guidance, and renewal for marriages that face challenges, including a lack of intimacy.
2 Corinthians 12:9-10
“Each time he said, ‘My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.’ So now I am glad to boast about my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ can work through me. That’s why I take pleasure in my weaknesses, and in the insults, hardships, persecutions, and troubles that I suffer for Christ. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Isaiah 41:10
“Don’t be afraid, for I am with you. Don’t be discouraged, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you. I will hold you up with my victorious right hand.”
Psalm 34:17-18
“The Lord hears his people when they call to him for help. He rescues them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.”
Philippians 4:13
“For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.”
Psalm 73:26
“My health may fail, and my spirit may grow weak, but God remains the strength of my heart; he is mine forever.”
Seeking Reconciliation and Restoration
God desires reconciliation and restoration in marriage, even when challenges seem insurmountable. By seeking His guidance and following His example of unconditional love, couples can work toward healing and renewal in their relationship.
2 Corinthians 5:18
“And all of this is a gift from God, who brought us back to himself through Christ. And God has given us this task of reconciling people to him.”
Matthew 19:6
“Since they are no longer two but one, let no one split apart what God has joined together.”
Galatians 6:1
“Dear brothers and sisters, if another believer is overcome by some sin, you who are godly should gently and humbly help that person back onto the right path. And be careful not to fall into the same temptation yourself.”
1 Peter 4:8
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”
Psalm 51:10
“Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a loyal spirit within me.”