Marriage -Its Origin and Purpose

A SPECIAL NEED FOR TENDERNESS

The Bible gives good advice that can help a couple to have the proper view of sex in marriage.  ( Read 1 Corinthians 7:3-5)  It is essential for a husband and wife to consider each other 's feelings and needs.  If a husband is not tender with his wife, she may find it difficult to enjoy sexual relations. Husbands should deal with their wives "according to knowledge." (1 Peter 3:7) Sexual relations should never be forced or demanded but should come naturally. A man can often respond more quickly than a woman.  But emotionally the time should be right for both the husband and the wife.

The Bible does not give specific  rules about the kinds and limits of displays of affection between a husband and a wife.  But it does mention affection.  (Song of Solomon 1:2; 2:6)  Christian marriage mates should treat each other with tenderness. 

When we have strong love for God and for neighbor, we will not allow allow anyone or anything to threaten our marriage.  Some have weakened or even ruined their marriage by becoming addicted to pornography.  We need to resist any attraction to pornography or other kinds of improper sexual interests. We even need to avoid doing anything that makes it seem as if we are flirting with someone who is not  our marriage mate, because that would be unloving.   We have to remember that God knows all our thoughts and actions.  This will help us to strengthen our desire to please him and to remain loyal to our mate. -Read Matthew 5:27, 28; Hebrews 4:13. 

Next time: Marriage -Its Origin and Purpose/WHEN THERE ARE PROBLEMS IN A MARRIAGE 

From The Watchtower magazine