Lesson 13 Class Preparation Material: The Divine Gift and Sacred Responsibility of Sexual Intimacy
“Lesson 13 Class Preparation Material: The Divine Gift and Sacred Responsibility of Sexual Intimacy,” The Eternal Family Class Preparation Material (2022)
“Lesson 13 Class Preparation Material,” The Eternal Family Class Preparation Material
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a young couple sitting close
Lesson 13 Class Preparation Material
The Divine Gift and Sacred Responsibility of Sexual Intimacy
Human sexuality is a sacred gift that is central to the plan of salvation. However, in a world saturated with sexual images and conflicting messages, it can be easy to feel uncertain or confused about the meaning and purpose of sexuality. As you study, seek to better understand the sacred and important role sexual intimacy plays in Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness and consider how this knowledge can bless your life.
Section 1
How can I be blessed by understanding that sexual intimacy can be a beautiful and sacred part of marriage?
Our Heavenly Father has given us sexual desires and the power of procreation. President Dallin H. Oaks of the First Presidency explained, “The power to create mortal life is the most exalted power God has given his children” (“The Great Plan of Happiness,” Ensign, Nov. 1993, 74). Elder Dale G. Renlund of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles and Sister Ruth Lybbert Renlund taught, “Our proper expression of sexuality makes it possible for God’s plan to unfold on earth and in the eternities, qualifying us to become like our Heavenly Father” (“The Divine Purposes of Sexual Intimacy,” Ensign, Aug. 2020, 16).
In Heavenly Father’s plan of happiness, “physical intimacy between husband and wife is intended to be beautiful and sacred. It is ordained of God for the creation of children and for the expression of love between husband and wife” (General Handbook: Serving in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 38.6.5, ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Elder David A. Bednar of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles also explained, “Intimate relations are … one of the ultimate expressions of our divine nature and potential and a way of strengthening emotional and spiritual bonds between husband and wife” (“We Believe in Being Chaste,” Ensign or Liahona, May 2013, 42).
Sexual intimacy is an important way to bond wife and husband more closely together. Intimacy can also refer to intellectual, emotional, and spiritual closeness.
In the garden of Eden, Adam and Eve began to learn about the importance of intimacy in marriage.
Read Genesis 2:18, 21–24, and consider how marriage is intended to unite a husband and wife intellectually, emotionally, spiritually, and physically. (Note: In this context, the rib can symbolize proximity and partnership; cleave means to cling or remain close to; and “one flesh” [verse 24] can signify an intellectual, emotional, spiritual, and sexual union.)
Elder Jeffrey R. Holland of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles taught the following about becoming “one flesh” in marriage:
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Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
Human intimacy is reserved for a married couple because it is the ultimate symbol of total union, a totality and a union ordained and defined by God. From the Garden of Eden onward, marriage was intended to mean the complete merger of a man and a woman—their hearts, hopes, lives, love, family, future, everything. Adam said of Eve that she was bone of his bones and flesh of his flesh, and that they were to be “one flesh” in their life together [see Genesis 2:23–24]. (“Personal Purity,” Ensign, Nov. 1998, 76)
How can a husband and wife be blessed by viewing sexual intimacy as a symbol of merging “their hearts, hopes, lives, love, family, future, everything”?
Section 2
How can viewing the physical body as God does increase my desire and commitment to live the law of chastity?
Because of the beautiful and sacred role God has ordained sexual intimacy to play in marriage, “[He] has commanded that the sacred powers of procreation are to be employed only between man and woman, lawfully wedded as husband and wife” (“The Family: A Proclamation to the World,” ChurchofJesusChrist.org). The Lord commands us to be morally clean in our thoughts, desires, and actions. This includes refraining from sexual activity before marriage and being totally faithful within marriage (see Exodus 20:14; Alma 39:3–5; Doctrine and Covenants 59:6). This commandment is known as the law of chastity.
It is important to remember that our bodies are not independent of our spirits. The Lord taught that “the spirit and the body are the soul of man” (Doctrine and Covenants 88:15). Regarding the connection between body and spirit, Elder Holland taught:
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Elder Jeffrey R. Holland
The body is an essential part of the soul. This distinctive and very important Latter-day Saint doctrine underscores why sexual sin is so serious. We declare that one who uses the God-given body of another without divine sanction abuses the very soul of that individual, abuses the central purpose and processes of life. (“Personal Purity,” 76)
The Apostle Paul provided additional explanation of the sacred connection between the body and spirit when he taught that “the body is not for fornication [sexual activity outside of marriage], but for the Lord; and the Lord for the body” (1 Corinthians 6:13).
Why is it misleading to view sexual intimacy as merely a physical experience intended to provide physical pleasure?
Section 3
What can I do to increase my capacity to live the law of chastity?
As with all of God’s commandments, the law of chastity is intended to bring us greater peace and happiness. For example, the scriptures help us understand that living the law of chastity can increase our confidence in God’s presence, protect us from emotional suffering and damaged relationships, and prevent a loss of the Spirit (see Doctrine and Covenants 121:45; Jacob 2:31–35; Doctrine and Covenants 42:23; 63:16). Keeping the law of chasity can also protect us from contracting harmful diseases and ensure that children are born within the bonds of marriage.
Experiencing sexual feelings is normal. It is important to learn how to channel these feelings in ways the Lord approves. Even if you have the best intentions, there may be times you feel tempted to inappropriately yield to your sexual desires. When you feel tempted, turn to the Lord and He will “make a way to escape, that ye may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13; see also Alma 13:28).
Remember, “Jesus Christ … knoweth the weakness of man and how to succor them who are tempted” (Doctrine and Covenants 62:1). As you turn to the Lord for help, seek for His guidance regarding practical steps you can take to “bridle all your passions, that ye may be filled with love” (Alma 38:12).
Sister Wendy W. Nelson, wife of President Russell M. Nelson, taught:
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Sister Wendy W. Nelson
Personal purity is the key to true love. The more pure your thoughts and feelings, your words and actions, the greater your capacity to give and receive true love. …
… Do whatever it takes to keep your thoughts, feelings, words, and actions pure. Invite the Spirit to guide you. He will help you! …
… The truth is, the more pure you are, the more marvelous your marital intimacy will be. (“Love and Marriage” [worldwide devotional for young adults, Jan. 8, 2017], ChurchofJesusChrist.org)
Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles gave the following counsel to individuals whose relationships are becoming more serious:
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Elder Neil L. Andersen
You know that you have strong physical emotions and passions that must be controlled and carefully governed. … Set your limits. Plant those limits deep into all you do together, so that they cannot be run over or moved aside as you feel strong emotion for each other. (“Complete Honesty, Unselfish Humility” [Brigham Young University–Idaho devotional, Feb. 14, 2017], byui.edu)
If you have broken the law of chastity, remember that through your faith in Jesus Christ and sincere repentance, the Lord can forgive you and make you clean again (see Isaiah 1:16–18; Doctrine and Covenants 58:42–43). You will also need to visit with your bishop or branch president. He is authorized to help you resolve the sin with the Lord, and he can provide you additional help and support.
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icon, record
Record Your Thoughts
Record in a notebook or note-taking app the limits or boundaries you have set, or need to set, to help maintain sexual purity for yourself and those you date. If you are married, what boundaries have you set to ensure you remain completely faithful to your spouse?
