More Than Sex Can Say

More Than Sex Can Say
by Linda Bartlett

Surveys show that more and more young men and women are looking for something better than just "doing it." Why?

Think about it. What kind of love fumbles around in the back seat of a car? What kind of love steals away to a motel room and registers under the name of "Mr. & Mrs. Smith?" What kind of love wants the benefits of marriage but is afraid to commit for a lifetime?

More and more young men and women are learning that sex is more than just bodily pleasure. It is the union of two hearts – two minds – two souls.

Unfortunately, the act of sex has been cheapened by society. It has become a recreational activity; a contact sport played in the bedroom.

The act of sex between a man and a woman can actually cause the death of the relationship, especially when the emotions it symbolizes do not exist. It is true that "doing it" feels good and, in the passion of sexual intercourse, both man and woman can feel loved. But their bodies may be saying more than what their hearts really mean.

A tender, loving relationship between a man and a woman without sexual involvement provides opportunity to communicate and to think more than just feel.

Is there something better than "just doing it?" Yes! It’s called M A R R I A G E !

Marriage allows two uniquely different people – man and woman – to bring out the best in each other.
Marriage builds a protective boundary around the intimacy of sex so that two hearts and two souls can be open to one another without fear.
Marriage allows a man and woman to unite themselves to one another, to declare their love and to unashamedly bring new life into the world.
Marriage between a man and a woman is the only relationship which can provide the healthiest foundation for family.
Marriage is not without problems, but men and women who make a commitment to be faithful develop the courage to deal with effectively with conflict and crisis – in the home and in society.

Waiting for sexual intimacy until marriage demands patience, forgiveness, and trust. That’s because both man and woman learn to express themselves from within instead of just physically. These are the relationships that are the strongest in the end. These are the relationships that strengthen society.

Children who watch their parents care about the needs of another learn to care about the needs of others. Children who watch their parents forgive one another learn to forgive others. Children who watch their parents work through difficulties learn to deal with their own problems more effectively.

The enduring love of marriage is not a fantasy. It is not a fairy tale. It is not always romantic. But the author of Ecclesiastes tells us that "a cord of three strands is not easily broken" (4:12). The love of a man and woman united in God is patient and kind, well-mannered and thoughtful, unselfish and fair. God enables a husband and wife to look for good and rejoice in truth.

The forever love of marriage begins with friendship and grows old in trust. It is more than sex can say.

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More Than Sex Can Say by Linda Bartlett

More Than Sex Can Say
by Linda Bartlett