October 20: No Longer Silent

No Longer Silent 

Key Texts:

“Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.” Proverbs 16:24

“Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer every man.” Colossians 4:6

Reflection

When intimacy in marriage is discussed, one of the common confessions we hear is, “It is not that I do not want to express myself, it is just that I am shy.” Shyness, especially in the early stages of marriage, can hold a spouse back from freely communicating their needs and desires.

This challenge is not unusual. Many couples struggle at first with openness, yet as they grow in love and bond more deeply, it becomes easier to share without fear or embarrassment. True intimacy requires both closeness of heart and freedom of expression.

It is important for couples to learn each other’s love languages, because not all communication happens with words. Signals, touches, and gestures can also speak volumes. Yet “silent night” should not always be the theme in the bedroom. Words matter. Proverbs 18:21 reminds us, “Death and life are in the power of the tongue.” Loving words of affirmation, expressions of gratitude, and gentle requests all build intimacy.

There is no shame in asking your spouse for what you need. There is no embarrassment in saying “thank you” for what was done well. Even when something does not go as expected, encouragement and humour can strengthen the bond rather than weaken it. As couples continue to communicate honestly and lovingly, shyness fades and trust grows.

Marriage is God’s design, and within it there is freedom to love, to laugh, and to learn together without fear.

Prayer

Heavenly Father,
Thank You for the gift of intimacy in marriage. Teach us to communicate with love, honesty, and tenderness. Remove fear, shame, or shyness that may hold us back from building deeper connection. Help us to use our words wisely, to affirm our spouses, and to express our hearts freely. May our marriages reflect both Your love and Your joy. In Jesus’ name, Amen.