Question 1

Why would God want a relationship with sinful human beings?

Accepted Answer

Genesis 1:27, 31So God created human beings in his own image. In the image of God he created them; male and female he created them. Then God blessed them and said, “Be fruitful and multiply. Fill the earth and govern it. Reign over the fish in the sea, the birds in the sky, and all the animals that scurry along the ground.” . . . Then God looked over all he had made, and he saw that it was very good. And evening passed and morning came, marking the sixth day.God wants a relationship with us because he made humanity in his own image, meaning that each person has certain character traits that reflect those of God himself. God gave humanity a special place of honor and responsibility in the created order. God loves all of his creation, but humans are its crown jewel (also read Psalm 8).John 3:16-17“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. God sent his Son into the world not to judge the world, but to save the world through him.”Romans 3:23-26Everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. Yet God, in his grace, freely makes us right in his sight. He did this through Christ Jesus when he freed us from the penalty for our sins. For God presented Jesus as the sacrifice for sin. People are made right with God when they believe that Jesus sacrificed his life, shedding his blood. This sacrifice shows that God was being fair when he held back and did not punish those who sinned in times past, for he was looking ahead and including them in what he would do in this present time. God did this to demonstrate his righteousness, for he himself is fair and just, and he makes sinners right in his sight when they believe in Jesus.Romans 5:8God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners.Ephesians 1:3-11Even before he made the world, God loved us and chose us in Christ to be holy and without fault in his eyes. God decided in advance to adopt us into his own family by bringing us to himself through Jesus Christ. This is what he wanted to do, and it gave him great pleasure. So we praise God for the glorious grace he has poured out on us who belong to his dear Son. He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins. He has showered his kindness on us, along with all wisdom and understanding. God has now revealed to us his mysterious will regarding Christ—which is to fulfill his own good plan. And this is the plan: At the right time he will bring everything together under the authority of Christ—everything in heaven and on earth. Furthermore, because we are united with Christ, we have received an inheritance from God, for he chose us in advance, and he makes everything work out according to his plan.Ephesians 3:10-11God’s purpose in all this was to use the church to display his wisdom in its rich variety to all the unseen rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. This was his eternal plan, which he carried out through Christ Jesus our Lord.When the first man and woman sinned, the relationship between God and humanity was broken because God is holy and cannot accept sin. God could easily have wiped out creation and started over. Instead, God loved the world so much that he sent his Son to give a new kind of life to all who would believe in him. By doing this, God displayed his love, wisdom, mercy, grace, kindness, fairness, and justice. And one day God will renew his earth and bring all things under the authority of Christ, bringing him all glory and honor forever.Romans 11:33-36Oh, how great are God’s riches and wisdom and knowledge! How impossible it is for us to understand his decisions and his ways! For who can know the Lord’s thoughts? Who knows enough to give him advice? And who has given him so much that he needs to pay it back? For everything comes from him and exists by his power and is intended for his glory. All glory to him forever! Amen.1 John 4:9-10God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son into the world so that we might have eternal life through him. This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins.We don’t fully know why God wants a relationship with sinful humans, because we are not capable of truly understanding who God is and why he does what he does. But he has given us his Word, where he reveals who he is. God has also given us the Holy Spirit, who helps us understand more of who he is.

Question 2

What general principles does the Bible give us about relationships?

Accepted Answer

Genesis 2:18Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”Psalm 127:4Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.Proverbs 17:6, 17Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children. . . . A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.Ecclesiastes 4:9-10Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.Isaiah 43:6-7“I will say to the north and south, ‘Bring my sons and daughters back to Israel from the distant corners of the earth. Bring all who claim me as their God, for I have made them for my glory. It was I who created them.’”Jeremiah 31:3Long ago the Lord said to Israel: “I have loved you, my people, with an everlasting love. With unfailing love I have drawn you to myself.”2 Corinthians 6:18“I will be your Father, and you will be my sons and daughters, says the Lord Almighty.”Revelation 21:3I heard a loud shout from the throne, saying, “Look, God’s home is now among his people! He will live with them, and they will be his people. God himself will be with them.”We were created as relational beings. God designed us to relate to him and to others.Psalm 27:4The one thing I ask of the Lord—the thing I seek most—is to live in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, delighting in the Lord’s perfections and meditating in his Temple.Mark 12:29-31Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”Our relationship with God is our most important relationship. But this does not mean we should neglect our other relationships. How we love and serve others is very important to God.John 16:23-24“At that time you won’t need to ask me for anything. I tell you the truth, you will ask the Father directly, and he will grant your request because you use my name. You haven’t done this before. Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and you will have abundant joy.”Romans 5:11So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.Hebrews 10:19-23So, dear brothers and sisters, we can boldly enter heaven’s Most Holy Place because of the blood of Jesus. By his death, Jesus opened a new and life-giving way through the curtain into the Most Holy Place. And since we have a great High Priest who rules over God’s house, let us go right into the presence of God with sincere hearts fully trusting him. For our guilty consciences have been sprinkled with Christ’s blood to make us clean, and our bodies have been washed with pure water. Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.Our relationship with God is made possible through the death and resurrection of Jesus. When we repent of our sins and trust in him alone for salvation, we begin our eternal relationship with him.Ephesians 2:21-22We are carefully joined together in him, becoming a holy temple for the Lord. Through him you Gentiles are also being made part of this dwelling where God lives by his Spirit.1 John 1:7If we are living in the light, as God is in the light, then we have fellowship with each other, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, cleanses us from all sin.Our relationships with other believers are made possible through Jesus and his work on our behalf.Romans 12:9-10Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. . . . Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.1 Corinthians 13:4-7If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. . . .Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.All our relationships should be marked by love.1 Corinthians 5:9-10When I wrote to you before, I told you not to associate with people who indulge in sexual sin. But I wasn’t talking about unbelievers who indulge in sexual sin, or are greedy, or cheat people, or worship idols. You would have to leave this world to avoid people like that.2 Corinthians 6:14Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness?Our relationships with others should not compromise the principles of our faith.

Question 3

How do I develop a relationship with God?

Accepted Answer

John 14:6Jesus told him, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.”Regardless of our personal background, character, and credentials, we must recognize that we cannot have a relationship with God on our own. We will never be able to remove the barrier between us and God caused by our sin. Only faith in the saving work of Jesus Christ, and Christ alone, can bring us into God’s presence and restore our relationship with him.Psalm 112:1Praise the Lord! How joyful are those who fear the Lord and delight in obeying his commands.Psalm 119:33-40Teach me your decrees, O Lord; I will keep them to the end. Give me understanding and I will obey your instructions; I will put them into practice with all my heart. Make me walk along the path of your commands, for that is where my happiness is found. Give me an eagerness for your laws rather than a love for money! Turn my eyes from worthless things, and give me life through your word. Reassure me of your promise, made to those who fear you. Help me abandon my shameful ways; for your regulations are good. I long to obey your commandments! Renew my life with your goodness.Psalm 119:169-176O Lord, listen to my cry; give me the discerning mind you promised. Listen to my prayer; rescue me as you promised. Let praise flow from my lips, for you have taught me your decrees. Let my tongue sing about your word, for all your commands are right. Give me a helping hand, for I have chosen to follow your commandments. O Lord, I have longed for your rescue, and your instructions are my delight. Let me live so I can praise you, and may your regulations help me. I have wandered away like a lost sheep; come and find me, for I have not forgotten your commands.Matthew 22:36-40“Teacher, which is the most important commandment in the law of Moses?” Jesus replied, “‘You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your mind.’ This is the first and greatest commandment. A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ The entire law and all the demands of the prophets are based on these two commandments.”1 John 5:3Loving God means keeping his commandments, and his commandments are not burdensome.Part of developing a close relationship with God is learning to obey his commands. The more we learn about what God desires for our lives, the more we understand his heart. For those who are living in Christ, God’s commands are not a burden. Rather, they are a source of joy and refreshment.John 14:26“But when the Father sends the Advocate as my representative—that is, the Holy Spirit—he will teach you everything and will remind you of everything I have told you.”John 16:13-15“When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own but will tell you what he has heard. He will tell you about the future. He will bring me glory by telling you whatever he receives from me. All that belongs to the Father is mine; this is why I said, ‘The Spirit will tell you whatever he receives from me.’”An important aspect of our relationship with God is listenig to the voice of the Holy Spirit who lives within us. He teaches us, comforts us, corrects us, and helps us understand what God desires of us. As we learn to quiet our minds and listen for the Holy Spirit’s guidance, we will find ourselves drawing closer to God.Psalm 51:1-4Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my rebellion; it haunts me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just.The Christian life is one of continual repentance, asking God for forgiveness. As we become aware of our sin, we realize our need for God’s grace and goodness. Then, knowing that we are forgiven helps us love God even more and want to obey him.Luke 11:9-13“And so I tell you, keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks, receives. Everyone who seeks, finds. And to everyone who knocks, the door will be opened. You fathers—if your children ask for a fish, do you give them a snake instead? Or if they ask for an egg, do you give them a scorpion? Of course not! So if you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly Father give the Holy Spirit to those who ask him.”Philippians 4:6-7Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.Prayer is critical in our relationship with God. It is how we connect with him. In prayer, we express our regrets, anxieties, desires, and needs. Because of the work of Jesus, we can approach God confidently as our loving Father. He will hear our prayers and help us to live as he has called us to.John 15:4-8“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. For a branch cannot produce fruit if it is severed from the vine, and you cannot be fruitful unless you remain in me. Yes, I am the vine; you are the branches. Those who remain in me, and I in them, will produce much fruit. For apart from me you can do nothing. Anyone who does not remain in me is thrown away like a useless branch and withers. Such branches are gathered into a pile to be burned. But if you remain in me and my words remain in you, you may ask for anything you want, and it will be granted! When you produce much fruit, you are my true disciples. This brings great glory to my Father.”When Jesus says to remain in his love, he is telling us to live in his love, to be constantly aware of it, to be fully shaped by it. We cannot grow in our relationship with God by ourselves. The love of Christ in our lives changes our hearts and makes us want to be more like him.

Question 4

How can I build healthy relationships with others?

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 3:3-4Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.Proverbs 17:9Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.Proverbs 17:17A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need.Proverbs 18:24There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother.Matthew 7:12“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.”John 15:12“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you.”Galatians 5:13-14You have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”Ephesians 4:2Always be humble and gentle. Be patient with each other, making allowance for each other’s faults because of your love.Ephesians 4:32Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.Colossians 3:13–14Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.1 Thessalonians 5:15See that no one pays back evil for evil, but always try to do good to each other and to all people.1 Peter 2:17Respect everyone, and love the family of believers. Fear God, and respect the king.1 Peter 3:8All of you should be of one mind. Sympathize with each other. Love each other as brothers and sisters. Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.1 Peter 4:8Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.The foundation of healthy relationships is love, and the four cornerstones are loyalty, kindness, respect, and forgiveness.

Question 5

What are some of the benefits of a loving relationship?

Accepted Answer

Proverbs 10:12Hatred stirs up quarrels, but love makes up for all offenses.Mark 12:29-31Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”1 Corinthians 13:4-7Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.The benefits that come from loving relationships include forgiveness, patience, kindness, love for truth, love for justice, expecting the best in others, loyalty at any cost, and belief in a person no matter what. Love prohibits jealousy, envy, pride, haughtiness, selfishness, rudeness, demanding one’s own way, irritability, and holding grudges. God promises that unconditionally loving others will bring healing to our relationships.

Question 6

What types of relationships are best to avoid?

Accepted Answer

Exodus 23:33“They [ungodly people] must not live in your land, or they will cause you to sin against me. If you serve their gods, you will be caught in the trap of idolatry.”Ezra 4:1-3The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the Lord, the God of Israel. So they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders and said, “Let us build with you, for we worship your God just as you do. We have sacrificed to him ever since King Esarhaddon of Assyria brought us here.” But Zerubbabel, Jeshua, and the other leaders of Israel replied, “You may have no part in this work. We alone will build the Temple for the Lord, the God of Israel, just as King Cyrus of Persia commanded us.”Romans 12:2Don’t copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God’s will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.2 Corinthians 6:14-15Don’t team up with those who are unbelievers. How can righteousness be a partner with wickedness? How can light live with darkness? What harmony can there be between Christ and the devil? How can a believer be a partner with an unbeliever?God warns against partnerships where one person loves God and the other doesn’t. These partnerships can include marriage, close friendships, and business and political relationships. The potential lack of unity in the relationship and temptation to compromise one’s faithfulness to God are dangers that should be avoided if possible. (But those already in a partnership or marriage where one of is a believer and one is not should not try to dissolve the relationship.) God also warns against relationships with those who will try to get us to compromise or give up our faith. God does not tell us to avoid friendships with unbelievers; he wants us to be a light to the world. But he does want us to be very careful about binding relationships with those who show animosity toward God.

Question 7

How can I restore a broken relationship?

Accepted Answer

Matthew 5:21-24“You have heard that our ancestors were told, ‘You must not murder. If you commit murder, you are subject to judgment.’ But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. “So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.”Reconciliation with others is a priority to God and should also be a priority for us. The first step in restoring a broken relationship is to honestly evaluate the cause or problem in the relationship. Once we identify the problem, we need to take steps to reconcile with the person, even if the tension or fissure in the relationship is not our fault.Luke 15:18“‘I will go home to my father and say, “Father, I have sinned against both heaven and you.”’”If we have caused hurt or division in a relationship, we need to confess what we have done to God and to whomever we have wronged. Often both sides in a broken relationship are guilty to some degree and both sides need to confess some wrongdoing. But even if the other person refuses to admit fault, we should not allow our pride to keep us from confessing ours.Matthew 18:15“If another believer sins against you, go privately and point out the offense. If the other person listens and confesses it, you have won that person back.”We may need to confront someone individually and privately in order to restore a relationship. We must be sure to do it with grace and love.Proverbs 19:11Sensible people control their temper; they earn respect by overlooking wrongs.Ephesians 4:25-27, 31-32So stop telling lies. Let us tell our neighbors the truth, for we are all parts of the same body. And “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry, for anger gives a foothold to the devil. . . . Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.We need to deal with our anger before we can truly forgive another person and restore a broken relationship.Genesis 50:18-21Then his brothers came and threw themselves down before Joseph. “Look, we are your slaves!” they said. But Joseph replied, “Don’t be afraid of me. Am I God, that I can punish you? You intended to harm me, but God intended it all for good. He brought me to this position so I could save the lives of many people. No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.Through forgiveness, grudges are released and revenge is forgotten.Colossians 3:13Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.Imitating God’s model of forgiveness is the key to restoring our relationships.

Question 8

What does God want relationships within our families to look like?

Accepted Answer

Psalm 127:4Children born to a young man are like arrows in a warrior’s hands.Proverbs 17:6Grandchildren are the crowning glory of the aged; parents are the pride of their children.Proverbs 22:6Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.Ephesians 6:1-4Children, obey your parents because you belong to the Lord, for this is the right thing to do. “Honor your father and mother.” This is the first commandment with a promise: If you honor your father and mother, “things will go well for you, and you will have a long life on the earth.” Fathers, do not provoke your children to anger by the way you treat them. Rather, bring them up with the discipline and instruction that comes from the Lord.1 Thessalonians 2:11-12You know that we treated each of you as a father treats his own children. We pleaded with you, encouraged you, and urged you to live your lives in a way that God would consider worthy. For he called you to share in his Kingdom and glory.God designed families to provide protection, love, guidance, encouragement, care, and enjoyment for each other. Families should be safe places for children where parents model godly values, teach life skills, and exercise discipline.

Question 9

Why are relationships important to leaders?

Accepted Answer

Genesis 2:18Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.”Ecclesiastes 4:9-10Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble.People were created as relational beings, and leaders are no exception. Leadership is not simply about getting things done, but getting things done through, with, and for people. Relationships, therefore, are a central element of leadership. In many ways, the people of any community come to reflect characteristics of their leaders.

Question 10

How might leaders find it difficult to form relationships?

Accepted Answer

Numbers 11:14“I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy!”1 Kings 19:14He [Elijah] replied again, “I have zealously served the Lord God Almighty. But the people of Israel have broken their covenant with you, torn down your altars, and killed every one of your prophets. I am the only one left, and now they are trying to kill me, too.”Psalm 25:16Turn to me and have mercy, for I am alone and in deep distress.Matthew 26:40Then he [Jesus] returned to the disciples and found them asleep. He said to Peter, “Couldn’t you watch with me even one hour?Leaders can find it difficult to form relationships with people under their care in part because only the leader feels the full burden of an organization, all the cares of the people, and the distractions of the whole picture. Leaders feel ultimately responsible for the care of their people and the success of their projects. Leaders may also wonder whom they can trust. Leaders need healthy relationships with people they can be safe and honest with.

Question 11

How can I build a healthy marriage relationship?

Accepted Answer

Deuteronomy 6:4-5“Listen, O Israel! The Lord is our God, the Lord alone. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, and all your strength.”Mark 12:29-31Jesus replied, “The most important commandment is this: ‘Listen, O Israel! The Lord our God is the one and only Lord. And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.’ The second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ No other commandment is greater than these.”1 Corinthians 11:3There is one thing I want you to know: The head of every man is Christ, the head of woman is man, and the head of Christ is God.Building a healthy marriage begins with both husband and wife acknowledging God’s authority and submitting to him fully.Matthew 19:4-6“Haven’t you read the Scriptures?” Jesus replied. “They record that from the beginning ‘God made them male and female.’ And he said, ‘This explains why 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 split apart what God has joined together.”Healthy marriages are built on the promise of a lifetime commitment to each other. During difficult times, these couples strive to work things out, not get out.Genesis 2:18, 23-24Then the Lord God said, “It is not good for the man to be alone. I will make a helper who is just right for him.” . . . “At last!” the man exclaimed. “This one is bone from my bone, and flesh from my flesh! She will be called ‘woman,’ because she was taken from ‘man.’” This explains why a man leaves his father and mother and is joined to his wife, and the two are united into one.Song of Songs 2:3-6, 13Like the finest apple tree in the orchard is my lover among other young men. I sit in his delightful shade and taste his delicious fruit. He escorts me to the banquet hall; it’s obvious how much he loves me. Strengthen me with raisin cakes, refresh me with apples, for I am weak with love. His left arm is under my head, and his right arm embraces me. . . . My dove is hiding behind the rocks, behind an outcrop on the cliff. Let me see your face; let me hear your voice. For your voice is pleasant, and your face is lovely.To build a healthy marriage relationship, couples must understand that they were made for each other and commit to spending quality time together.1 Corinthians 13:4-7Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.Ephesians 5:33So again I say, each man must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.Hebrews 13:4Give honor to marriage, and remain faithful to one another in marriage. God will surely judge people who are immoral and those who commit adultery.1 Peter 3:7In the same way, you husbands must give honor to your wives. Treat your wife with understanding as you live together. She may be weaker than you are, but she is your equal partner in God’s gift of new life. Treat her as you should so your prayers will not be hindered.A healthy marriage is based on love, respect, faithfulness, and honor.Ecclesiastes 4:9-11Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone?Working together and helping one another are important in building a healthy marriage.Proverbs 5:18-19Let your wife be a fountain of blessing for you. Rejoice in the wife of your youth. She is a loving deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts satisfy you always. May you always be captivated by her love.Song of Songs 2:16My lover is mine, and I am his. He browses among the lilies.1 Corinthians 7:3-5The husband should fulfill his wife’s sexual needs, and the wife should fulfill her husband’s needs. The wife gives authority over her body to her husband, and the husband gives authority over his body to his wife. Do not deprive each other of sexual relations, unless you both agree to refrain from sexual intimacy for a limited time so you can give yourselves more completely to prayer. Afterward, you should come together again so that Satan won’t be able to tempt you because of your lack of self-control.An intimate sexual relationship is an important element of a healthy marriage.