Biblical Answer

Can I still be a good partner if I'm too sick to be intimate?

The Bible's Perspective on Intimacy and Sickness

The Bible teaches us that marital intimacy is a beautiful expression of the love and commitment between a husband and wife. However, when one spouse is too sick to be intimate, it can be a challenging situation. The Bible does not promise that marriage will always be easy or that intimacy will always be possible. In fact, the Bible teaches us that there will be times when we will face difficulties and challenges in our relationships.

Finding Joy in Caring for Each Other

While physical intimacy may not be possible when one spouse is too sick, the Bible teaches us that joy and satisfaction can still be found in caring for each other. In 1 Corinthians 7:3-5, the apostle Paul writes, "The husband should give to his wife her conjugal rights, and likewise the wife to her husband. For the wife does not have authority over her own body, but the husband does. Likewise the husband does not have authority over his own body, but the wife does. Do not deprive one another except perhaps by agreement for a time, that you may devote yourselves to prayer; but then come together again, so that Satan may not tempt you because of your lack of self-control." Here, Paul emphasizes the importance of mutual submission and care for one another, even in difficult times. By putting our spouse's needs before our own, we can find joy and satisfaction in caring for each other.

The Value of Selfless Love

The Bible teaches us that selfless love is the greatest expression of true love. When one spouse is too sick to be intimate, it is an opportunity to practice selfless love and care for one another in new and creative ways. By putting our spouse's needs before our own, we can demonstrate the kind of love that is pleasing to God. As the Bible says, "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres." (1 Corinthians 13:4-7) By living out this kind of selfless love, we can be good partners even when physical intimacy is not possible.