Mar 11 - Genesis 2:24-25

Therefore a man ... clings to his wife,

and they become one flesh.

And the man and his wife were

both naked, and were not ashamed.

Genesis 2:24-25

 

When I say “naked and not ashamed,” what do you think of?

 

Really!

 

Shame on you!

 

Wait! No! Shame on you for feeling shamed! 

 

Scripture says that “naked and not ashamed” was God’s delightful plan from the beginning!

 

Now, when we read this verse, we think, of course, of physical nakedness. That word has one decisive meaning in our brains! And here’s the good news: In the context of marriage, God created it and it was very good.

 

The first pages of the Bible — see Genesis 2 — definitely refer to husbands and wives looking and winking and cuddling and playing. Remember, God invented sex. In fact, I’ve read wonderful, faithful, Christian writers, who talk about marital sex as being able to be an act worship! (See Gary Thomas, in Sacred Marriage for example.)

 

But God promises us so much more than just the physical!

 

Read that again! God wants husbands and wives (and really all our relationships) to be naked (transparent) and without shame. 

 

Therefore, at least for a moment, get the physical out of your mind, and let’s focus on what else God graciously desires for our relationship. Today ...

 

Emotional nakedness

 

Here’s the question: Can you stand before your spouse emotionally naked? Without fear of judgment or recrimination?! Can you openly share with them your heart, your feelings, and your tears?

 

By nature, women tend to be better at this! Women talk. They share feelings. And that’s a positive blessing. 

 

But there’s unfortunately a negative side to this vulnerability. Women have too often been victims of judgment and abuse. Too many have been conditioned to guard their hearts. And a husband’s harsh words, disinterest, and impatience can silence a wife’s heart further.

Men? By nature, emotional nakedness is no always our strong point. Guys named John Wayne don’t talk about their feelings, right?

 

But action films — and a strong and silent attitude — can easily deaden a marriage. In truth, God designed us with a need to be emotionally honest too. 

 

Men, take this test: When frustration enters your marriage, do you tend to talk about it? Or do you tend to stuff it down, simmer silently, and then suddenly boil over in anger? 

 

If you want to be healthy (physically), healthy (happily), and healthy (martially), studies show that open communication releases the tension and blesses our lives.

 

So, husbands and wives, what do you think about now when I say “naked and not ashamed”? (I know! I still do too.) But let’s broaden our minds. In the coming days, we’ll talk about Psychological Nakedness, Spiritual Nakedness, and the role of Honesty in Nakedness.

 

Nevertheless, here’s a quick secret: If you want a greater gift of physical nakedness (which is a gift from God), you both need to be able to share more of your heart and your feelings, your heart and your dreams. 

 

In fact, guys, most women tend to consider emotional nakedness and vulnerability to be about the best kind of foreplay there is.

 

Question: Why is emotional nakedness even more important than physical nakedness, even for a husband or wife whose primary “love language” is physical touch?

 

In Christ’s Love,

well ...

I was going to say,

“a naked guy,”

but no one wants

to think about that