How Deuteronomy Helps Us Look At Intimacy with a Well-Rounded, Healthy Mentality

God demonstrates his heart for multidimensional intimacy starting in the Old Testament. When asked about the greatest commandment, Jesus answered:

"The first is, 'Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one; you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind, and with all your strength.' The second is this, 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' There is no other commandment greater than these." Mark 12:29-31

In this first part of the commandment, Jesus is quoting from the Torah. Translated another way, this passage from Deuteronomy reads:

"Love God, your God, with your whole heart; Love him with all that's in you, love Him with all you've got!" Deuteronomy 6:5 (The Message)

This is the heart of intimacy with God, and also a model for intimacy in marriage. Just as loving God calls for every ounce of our whole person, we are to love our spouses in the same way. Thus, the goal of intimacy is not solely relegated to intercourse; it truly is a fullness of knowing and loving our spouses — physically, emotionally, and spiritually — with all the intelligence, strength, and passion we possess.

Intimacy is a multidimensional way of relating, with marital intimacy far more encompassing of a couple's openness, sharing, and caring.