Do not deprive each other except by mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourself to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self control  (1 Corinthians 7:5).

I mean, the verse is pretty clear.

Here’s something interesting: most of the translations I looked at use the word deprive, as I have here. The King James translates that same word defraud.

As in, you’re committing fraud when you withhold something that was part of the original agreement.

Cheating can come in many forms.

Beloved, if you are married, I hope you and your spouse have a great sex life. I don’t need to hear about it in the comment section, but I hope it’s true. If you don’t, I advise you to figure out why, and do what it takes to fix it. Otherwise, you leave yourself–and your spouse–open to temptation.

So is Paul saying that you should be forced into intimacy, even if you don’t want it? Or that, if your spouse strays, it’s your fault?

No and no

It’s kinda like giving of your income. It is clear that we are to give of our finances to the Kingdom, but no one is going to come and force you to give. You could choose not to, but that will leave you open to the sin of greed. Giving reminds us that nothing in this world is truly ours. All the physical world is a gift from God.

Including our bodies.

See the connection? Of course you do–you’re so smart.

Happy Wednesday, Beloved