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The wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband [does]. And likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife [does]. 1 Corinthians 7:4 NKJV
In an age of individualism, the notion of not having authority over one’s own body in the context of the marriage bed seems rather foreign. Sex is not supposed to be withheld except for an agreed-upon season, so the two of you can devote yourselves to prayer (1 Corinthians 7:5).
Maybe you’ve pointed out today’s verse to your wife at some point in the past when she has been less than willing to have sexual relations with you. But have considered the ramifications of not having authority over your own body? It means more than simply being willing to have sexual relations with your wife when she desires to do so. It also means your body belongs solely to her, not to any acts that commentators used to call self-pollution. Have you kept yourself pure for her in every way?
Yes, your wife may have some issues to work through. You can’t do that for her. But as a man who has been transformed by the Gospel, you can be pure for her. Do so without fail.
Prayer: Father, I’m often quick to point to my wife’s responsibility in this text and slow to assume my own. Forgive me.
In an age of individualism, the notion of not having authority over one’s own body in the context of the marriage bed seems rather foreign. Sex is not supposed to be withheld except for an agreed-upon season, so the two of you can devote yourselves to prayer (1 Corinthians 7:5).
Maybe you’ve pointed out today’s verse to your wife at some point in the past when she has been less than willing to have sexual relations with you. But have considered the ramifications of not having authority over your own body? It means more than simply being willing to have sexual relations with your wife when she desires to do so. It also means your body belongs solely to her, not to any acts that commentators used to call self-pollution. Have you kept yourself pure for her in every way?
Yes, your wife may have some issues to work through. You can’t do that for her. But as a man who has been transformed by the Gospel, you can be pure for her. Do so without fail.
Prayer: Father, I’m often quick to point to my wife’s responsibility in this text and slow to assume my own. Forgive me.
