Genesis 2 gives us a number of “essentials” about the marriage bond. It is in Genesis 2 that we learn that marriage is between one man and one woman, that a couple’s priority becomes meeting the needs of the other, and that marriage is supposed to be permanent and exclusive. Genesis 2 also shows us that a husband and wife are to become “one flesh.” This speaks of a special bond. Becoming one flesh suggests a God-honoring intimacy in all areas of your relationship—emotionally, spiritually, and sexually.
We also read in Genesis 2 that Adam and Eve were naked and unashamed (verse 25). This is a beautiful expression of pure intimacy. They were naked AND unashamed. They had nothing to hide from each other—nothing to hide physically, emotionally, spiritually, or mentally. They were not embarrassed or ashamed in each other’s presence. This helps us to know that the gift of sex was meant to be experienced without fear, shame, or regret and is both good and beautiful.
Sometimes, though, this kind of unashamed intimacy is difficult. We may have a past hurt or loss that has deeply damaged us. We live in an impure world where we are judged negatively on our appearance. We don’t live up to the “ideal” descriptions of beauty and masculinity. Insecurities about failing to measure up abound. We live in a culture that puts a lot of emphasis on the possibility of being naked, and then suggests that you will be disappointing when you are. All of this raises all kinds of vulnerabilities.
And there are real questions to wrestle with. Is it safe to be so vulnerable with another person that you would be naked AND unashamed? How can two people who are so different from each other achieve intimacy? Is it possible to be fully known by someone and still be fully loved? For some, this might also include questions about trusting again after being deeply hurt.
Yet, we read that Adam and Eve were naked and unashamed. The word “ashamed” relates to having a painful feeling or emotional distress. Isn’t it beautiful that Adam and Eve had no sin or social mistakes that made them ashamed to be around each other? They stood completely naked in the other’s presence, yet they had no fear or anxiety, no worries of a possibility that the other would exploit them. They stood sinless and guiltless with no indignity. This is a picture of people without sin.
There is good news. You are already known and loved by God when you are in Christ. Because of the finished work of Christ, you can stand before God unashamed. And you can love each other with the same relentless vulnerability, grace and devotion that you have experienced in Christ. In order for you and your spouse to be naked and unashamed before each other, there has to be a safe vulnerability, a judgment-free zone in your marriage. Your spouse desires to be vulnerable with you, trusting who and what they are, with all of their flaws, to you. Be worthy of that trust. Treasure and accept your spouse so that they can be naked and unashamed in front of you. Help them to know you find them attractive no matter what they look like naked, no matter who and what they are.
Today’s Talking Point: How closely does your marriage reflect Adam and Eve’s relationship in the garden? Do you try to meet your spouse’s desire for shame-free intimacy on all levels? Discuss ways that you could experience a higher level of being naked and unashamed. Repent of any past mistakes that made your spouse feel ashamed or inferior.
20 Toes 
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