Prophetic Teachings on Physical Intimacy

We have prophets of new and prophets of old that tell us the importance of physical intimacy. They each share many great quotes that helped me understand the importance of physical intimacy in a marriage. There are many ways that you can share physical intimacy between you and your spouse. Some couples aren't big on physical intimacy, but use loving words and gifts to show love for each other. My fiance, (soon to be husband in about a month) and I do like using physical intimacy. We can hold hands when we're together, or cuddle on the couch while we watch a movie. We love being close to each other and this is mainly our way of how we show our love for each other. I love President Spencer W. Kimball's quote about intimacy in marriage. He says, "It is the destiny of men and women to join us together to make eternal family units. In the context of lawful marriage, the intimacy of sexual relations is right and divinely approved. There is nothing unholy or degrading about sexuality in itself, for by that means men and women join in a process of creation and in expression of love." As I am preparing for marriage, this quote helped me understand the important of physical intimacy and how it is used for procreation. Physical intimacy is divinely appointed by God, but only if we are using it in appropriate ways in our marriages. Growing up I was told that physical intimacy is bad and you should never do it before marriage. Sometimes even after we are married it can be scary to know that it is okay. I think that this quote would be helpful to know in a marriage and can help you feel that it is okay. 

Another quote that I loved from one of our prophets is from President Howard W. Hunter. He shares a quote about how we should never misuse physical intimacy in our marriage. He says, "Tenderness and respect-never selfishness-must be the guiding principles in the intimate relationship between husband and wife." I love this quote because we should always be aware of our spouses feelings. We should never be selfish, but to be tender in our marriages. We must be considerate and sensitive to our spouse's needs and desires. Couples need to take care of each other and think about their spouse before they think about themselves and their needs. 

What a blessing it is for each and every one of us that we have loving prophets who speak the truth and are there to guide and direct us through our marriages. I am grateful that my fiance and I use physical intimacy to show love towards each other and how that will continue to be a blessing in our lives.