October 8: Emotional Intimacy -Known and Loved

Emotional Intimacy – Known and Loved

Text: “My beloved is mine, and I am his.” – Song of Solomon 2:16

Emotional intimacy is one of God’s sweetest gifts to marriage. It is the closeness that makes a husband and wife feel safe, valued, and deeply connected beyond words. Sadly, in many

In Christian settings, couples sometimes hold back from showing healthy affection in public, as if tenderness toward one’s spouse is somehow unholy. Yet emotional intimacy is not sinful—it is delightful. It is ordained by God, and when nurtured, it leads to healthier and happier marriages.

I often remind couples that it is perfectly fine to show emotion in church toward their spouse. It is okay to sit close, to lean into each other, to hold hands, to smile at one another. These simple gestures reflect love and unity. They are not carnal; they are covenantal. They quietly preach the gospel of love and give a living testimony that marriage is a joyful, God-designed union.

Personally, I do not often get to sit with my husband in church since he is usually on the pulpit. But on the days when I do, I make use of it. I enjoy those moments of sitting side by side, exchanging a smile, holding hands during prayer, or leaning into him during worship. These little acts remind us that emotional closeness is as much a form of worship as singing a hymn. They water our marriage and refresh our hearts.

God designed us to be emotionally connected to our spouses. He delights in marriages where both partners feel secure, known, and cherished. Emotional intimacy allows couples to share not only their joys but also their struggles without fear of rejection. It builds trust, deepens affection, and strengthens resilience in difficult seasons. Without it, marriage can feel like a partnership in duty rather than a partnership in love.

So, how is the emotional temperature of your marriage? Do you create safe spaces to share your heart with one another? Do you listen fully, without distraction, when your spouse opens up? Do you practice small, intentional gestures of affection—like holding hands, smiling at each other, or offering encouragement—not just in private but even in public when appropriate? These simple yet profound acts breathe life into marriage.

The truth is that when couples grow emotionally, they also grow spiritually and relationally. Emotional intimacy is a reflection of Christ’s love for His church—a love that is tender, compassionate, and deeply personal. The more we nurture it, the more our marriages become a witness of God’s covenant love to the world.

Prayer:
Father, teach us to love with patience, tenderness, and understanding. Help us to create emotional safety for one another. May our marriages be marked by kindness, empathy, and joy. Let us not be afraid to delight in each other, both in private and in public, so that our love reflects Your Amen.