Can I still be a good partner if I'm too sick to be intimate?
While being too sick to be intimate can be challenging for a partner, it does not necessarily define your ability to be a good partner. In fact, the Bible encourages us to focus on the joy of caring for each other, even in difficult circumstances. As Paul notes, pleasure cannot stand suffering and always flees pain, but joy lasts through suffering and transcends pain. This means that even when physical intimacy is not possible, you can still show love and care for your partner through other means. For example, you can still be tender and empathetic, show appreciation and gratitude, and prioritize your partner's needs and well-being.
It's also worth noting that a good partner is not defined solely by their ability to provide physical intimacy. A good partner is someone who is faithful, caring, and supportive, even in difficult circumstances. As Paul says, "mutual satisfaction" is not the only goal of intimacy, but rather "mutual delight" that comes from a deeper connection with each other. This means that even when physical intimacy is not possible, you can still experience delight and joy in your relationship through other means, such as shared activities, conversations, and moments of tenderness.
Ultimately, being a good partner is not about being able to provide physical intimacy, but about being present, caring, and supportive. As Paul encourages, "the problem cannot be dismissed lightly, because playboy morality only looks for pleasure at the others expense, which violates the law of love." By prioritizing your partner's needs and well-being, showing empathy and tenderness, and focusing on the joy of caring for each other, you can still be a good partner even when physical intimacy is not possible.