We’re on Week 6 of the The Excellent Wife series. You can catch up on the older posts here. This week we’re diving into chapters 11 and 12.
Chapter 11: Intimacy
In this chapter, the author gives a biblical perspective of the physical intimacy between a husband and wife. From what I gather, there is a three-fold reason for intimacy within marriage.
- For procreation.
- To strengthen companionship between the husband and wife.
- To protect the husband and wife from temptation.
I strongly agree with the author as she encourages wives to set apart some time for their husbands. With small children in the house, the mother probably has little or no energy left at the end of the day for her husband. However, if it’s possible to plan the day better and actually be there for her husband, it will strengthen their marriage in more ways than one.
I haven’t blogged on the subject of physical intimacy in marriage, but here are the links to some resources I found helpful.
- The Importance of Intimacy in Marriage {Video}
- To Love, Honor and Vacuum {Blog}
- The Act of Marriage {Book}
Chapter 12: Submission
This chapter on submission was a short one and it focused on how submission can actually help the wife reap joy in her life.
“The submission of a godly wife is more than a duty, it should be her heart’s delight.”
The part I loved was where the author explains how we can find joy in the midst of difficult circumstances. She muses that God is always working His purpose in our circumstances. In difficulties, He wants to develop Christlike character in us and give us the opportunity to glorify Him.
So how do we find joy in the midst of your trials? The author advises us to reaffirm our faith saying, “This is good for me and God has purpose in it or He would not permit it. This is not fun, but I do have joy in knowing that God is working in my life to accomplish His purposes.”
Reading this chapter along with my study on I Peter has totally transformed how I react when difficult circumstances arise. As long as we are living, we will face trials that we have little or no control over. If you are facing a difficult situation in your life, I want to encourage you to stay strong in your faith. Draw closer to God and let Him have His way in your life. Then you will find joy and praise God, even in the midst of your trials.
Other posts in this series:
- An Excellent Wife: Introduction
- An Excellent Wife: Chapters 1 & 2
- An Excellent Wife: Chapters 3 & 4
- An Excellent Wife: Chapters 5 & 6
- An Excellent Wife: Chapters 7 & 8
- An Excellent Wife: Chapters 9 & 10
- An Excellent Wife: Chapters 11 & 12
- An Excellent Wife: Chapters 13 & 14
- An Excellent Wife: Chapters 15 & 16
- An Excellent Wife: Chapters 17 & 18
- An Excellent Wife: Chapters 19 & 20
- An Excellent Wife: Chapter 21 & Conclusion
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