When it comes to sexual relationships, many Christians believe that sex should be reserved for marriage, and rightfully so.
It’s natural to have the urge to express your physical affection with your partner before tying the knot, though we all know we shouldn’t go through with it.
As a Christian myself, I understand the confusion and even shame that can come with trying to navigate these boundaries.
However, the good news is that there are clear principles found in the Bible to guide us in this area.
Let’s discuss some practical ways that Christian couples can set healthy sexual boundaries before marriage and honor God with their bodies.
Get clear on Biblical principles
As Christians, we believe that sex is a gift from God to be enjoyed within the boundaries of marriage.
Therefore, it’s important to understand what the Bible says about sexual morality and apply those principles to your relationship.
This means avoiding any kind of sexual activity (including kissing, touching, and oral sex) that falls outside of God’s design for marriage.
Communicate with your partner
It’s essential to have open and honest communication with your partner about your sexual boundaries and desires before marriage.
This includes discussing what you’re comfortable with and what you’re not.
Remember, communication is key to building trust and maintaining a healthy relationship.
Be intentional with physical touch
While it’s okay to show affection to your partner through holding hands or hugging, avoid overly sexual touching.
This means setting physical boundaries like not lying down together and not engaging in any form of physical intimacy that could lead to sexual arousal.
Seek accountability and support
It can be challenging to remain sexually pure before marriage, especially if you’re facing temptation.
Therefore, it’s important to have a support system in place to help you stay on track.
This could include having an accountability partner who checks in with you regularly or seeking guidance from a trusted spiritual leader.
Focus on building emotional intimacy
Lastly, remember that sexual intimacy should never be a substitute for emotional intimacy. Before jumping into a physical relationship, take the time to build a deep emotional connection with your partner. This means talking about your hopes, fears, and dreams and sharing in each other’s struggles and victories.
Understand and respect your partner’s boundaries
The key to any healthy sexual relationship is communication.
Before getting intimate with your partner, make sure that you’re both on the same page.
Talk openly about your boundaries, your expectations, and your fears.
Make it clear what you feel comfortable with and what you don’t feel comfortable with, and respect each other’s wishes.
It’s important to remember that everyone’s limits might be different, so be patient and understanding toward each other.
Focus on non-sexual intimacy
Physical affection doesn’t have to be limited solely to sex.
There are many other ways to express your love and affection for your partner.
Simple gestures like holding hands, hugging, and kissing can be powerful ways to connect with your partner emotionally and start the intimacy you crave.
Sharing interests and conversations with your partner can also lead to a deep and meaningful relationship.
Avoid situations that might lead to sexual temptation
If you’re trying to keep your physical relationship pure, it’s important to avoid situations that might lead to sexual temptation.
While different couples might have different triggers, some examples could include being alone together in a private place, watching sexually explicit TV shows or movies, or being under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
Take steps to minimize such scenarios and create boundaries to ensure you always obey your friendly rules and values.
Seek guidance
Something to remember is that you’re not alone in your Christian journey.
Seek guidance from pastors, mentors, or trusted elders in your church about how to navigate Christian relationships and intimacy.
These individuals might be able to provide advice that can help you navigate this delicate balance between self-control, romance, and faith.
Pray together
Praying together is a great way to build intimacy and deepen your connection with your partner.
Bring your relationship before God and seek His wisdom and guidance.
By making prayer a part of your relationship, you’ll strengthen your communication, and deepen your trust in each other.
In the process, your relationship with God will be strengthened, which will make you better equipped to handle life’s challenges.
Navigating intimacy as a Christian couple is not easy, but it’s essential to establish communication, patience, and boundaries.
It’s also vital to keep God at the center of your relationship and seek guidance from trusted individuals.
If you follow these tips, you’ll be on the path to building a healthy, intimate, and fulfilling relationship with your partner that honors God’s principles, and keeps your love burning while keeping sex reserved for marriage.
Navigating sexual boundaries as a Christian couple can be challenging, but it’s important to prioritize God’s design for marriage and honor Him with our bodies.
Remember, setting clear boundaries, communicating openly with your partner, being intentional with physical touch, seeking support, and building emotional intimacy are all key components of a healthy relationship.
With God’s help and guidance, you can successfully navigate this season of your relationship and experience the joys of sexual intimacy in marriage.
