1 Corinthians 7:5-6, With Consent for a Time

1 Corinthians 7:5-6 Defraud ye not one the other, except it be with consent for a time, that ye may give yourselves to fasting and prayer; and come together again, that Satan tempt you not for your incontinency. But I speak this by permission, and not of commandment.

There are times in a marriage when husband and wife give themselves to fasting and prayer. During those times, they would abstain from their marital rights, refrain from any physical intimacy by mutual consent.

But such times are observed only temporarily. The Apostle Paul warns the husband and wife to be careful in this matter lest Satan exploit their human weakness into committing adultery. [Hendriksen]

This permission to temporarily abstain from physical intimacy must not be construed as a command to abstinence.

May God bless the marriage covenant. Amen.