Why do so many couples end up living like roommates? In Session 8 of 'Building A Great Marriage,' we move into our final module, Friendship. We begin by addressing the 'broken dreams' caused by selfishness and bitterness, and how God’s grace can replant the seed of intimacy in our hearts.

Cultivating Intimacy in Marriage moves past the 'broken dreams' of selfishness and bitterness to discover what it truly means to 'know' your spouse as God intended. We’ll discuss the three levels of intimacy—spiritual, social, and physical—and why a superficial focus on our own needs actually destroys the very thing we desire. Whether you want to revitalize your friendship or deepen your sexual relationship, this session provides the biblical key to becoming one heart and one flesh.

Discussion & Reflection Questions

1. God plants the "seed of intimacy" in our hearts. Looking back, what were the "dreams" you had for your marriage when you first started, and how have they been affected by selfishness or bitterness?
2. The word yada (to know) covers social, spiritual, and physical aspects. Which of these three areas currently feels the strongest in your marriage, and which one feels the most neglected?
3. How does a "superficial focus" (meeting my own needs) actually distract from solving real problems in the bedroom and in the home?
4. The session suggests that your intimacy serves your spouse, your children, and the world. How does a strong, intimate bond between you two provide a better foundation for your children’s future?
5. Looking at the "Intimate Focus" list (healing, loving, flexible), which of these traits do you most need to ask God to grow in you this week to better serve your spouse?

Take Home Project: This week, identify one "selfish demand" you have been making on your spouse and replace it with a specific act of "serving their needs" without expecting anything in return.

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