Spiritual connection

“so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.” – Romans 12:5.

Few things in a marriage are as important as spiritual intimacy between a husband and wife.

Spiritual intimacy is a sense of unity and mutual commitment to God’s purpose for our lives and marriage, along with a respect for the special dreams of each other’s hearts. It’s the greatest depth of intimacy we experience in marriage.

In Proverbs 31 we find an example of such a marriage. They complement each other perfectly because they share a spiritual depth. The wife’s influence is so powerful that her husband and family can’t help but praise her (verse 28). The husband is equally worthy of admiration: “Her husband is well known at the city gates, where he sits with the other civic leaders.” (verse 23). He meets with the leaders to give advice and help people solve their problems. His wife also provides wise instruction and is faithful in all the roles and responsibilities God has given her: “When she speaks, her words are wise, and she gives instructions with kindness.” (verse 26).

This ancient couple serves as an example for modern-day marriages. Because of their godliness and earnest commitment to God and their commitment to each other, their love is amplified. Men and women around them can’t help but notice, and their relationship stands out. Can you imagine this kind of spiritual connection in your own marriage? But if you want a spiritual connection with your spouse you are going to have to work at it. 

Jesus described marriage on a very spiritual level: A man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one. Since they are no longer two but one, let no one separate them, for God has joined them together (Matthew 19:5) It’s very possible that those verses were read at your wedding. And for most of us, those words would be the desire of our hearts. When you look at this beautiful statement, isn’t that what you would hope for in your relationship? A man and woman leave their parents to become united. They become literally one flesh.  

We desire for God’s presence to be in our relationship. But to want something and to have it are two different things. We may desire a spiritual connection as a couple, but sadly it is usually the least developed area of the relationship. It takes time, open communication, humility, grace, and a desire for spiritual growth for any couple to grow together spiritually. Even then, there are major blocks we must overcome to achieve it. But if your spouse is of a different faith than you are then it is very difficult to have a true spiritual connection. 

Regardless of where you are at as a couple in the spiritual intimacy department, there is probably room for growth. That is because spiritual intimacy is perhaps the least developed area of a marital relationship. 

Discussion Questions:

1. What does having a spiritual connection mean to you?  
2. What can you do this week to improve the spiritual connection with your spouse?