Society and the world have done a wonderful job of convincing us that intimacy in a relationship has everything to do with physical and sexual intimacy. And while physical and sexual intimacy are not bad things when experienced within the confines of a marriage, we as Christians need to ensure we have ways to build intimacy outside of marriage that fit with God’s design for our lives.
Today, that’s what we want to look at. We want to look at three ways that you can deepen and grow a relationship with a romantic partner without stepping over the boundaries God lovingly placed in our lives.
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Number one—encouragement. In 1 Thessalonians, Paul writes that we should be encouraging and building each other up. There are few better ways to build emotional intimacy in a relationship than through supporting each other through encouragement. Be each other’s biggest cheerleader. Care about their goals, and go out of your way to make sure you’re helping to support those goals. This can be with their career goals, aspirations, hobbies, and most importantly—their spiritual growth.
Number two—respect God’s plan with physical intimacy. The Bible is very clear that sexual intimacy is good, but only inside of marriage. If you truly want to build intimacy with your partner, demonstrate your love for them by respecting the plans God has laid out. If they find themselves getting weak or tempted, be the stronghold that keeps them on track. When the temptation subsides, they’ll realize you’re willing to care for their spiritual health over your own physical desires.
Number three—grow in Christ together. Seek first the Kingdom of God together. Invite God to be the cornerstone of your relationship. Start to build spiritual growth memories together that will bring you closer than you could ever imagine. When God is the center of your relationship, the ability to connect in emotional intimacy is high.
📝 Here’s Some Reflection Questions:
- What are some other practical ways to build intimacy with a romantic partner?
- Are there any dangers or blind spots that I should avoid when building an intimate connection that might cause me (or us) to stumble?
- As a single Christian, what areas of my life am I comfortable sharing with someone I am talking to but am not in a committed relationship with?
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