Navigating 9 Levels of Understanding to deepen intimacy and trust in marriage

You work hard to build a connection in your marriage, but do you know how to maintain it as a lifestyle? Learn how to course correct and reconnect on a continual basis by discovering how to navigate the nine levels of understanding.

Intimacy happens when there is a mutual revealing of our authentic selves. Another way of saying intimacy is in-to-me-see. We desire to connect at deeper levels but we often just don’t know how. Our relationships begin to thrive when we learn how to navigate each level of authentic sharing. These connections give our lives meaning, a measure of safety, security, significance, and we become more resilient in times of tribulation.

Surviving or Thriving?

When we begin to connect at deeper levels and help one another fulfill our deepest needs and longings we experience the joy of heaven. Positions, possessions, and pleasures can never fulfill our greatest needs in the way that only comes from loving God and loving one another. We need certain things to survive such as food, clothing and shelter, but we need meaningful relationships to thrive.

Intimacy Depends upon Willingness

Simply asking questions that coincide with these nine levels of authentic sharing does not guarantee intimacy,that depends on how willing you are to esteem the needs of others as higher than your own. See (Phil 2:1-4 and Romans 12:10) Achieving intimacy requires a willingness to know the heart, to create a safe enough environment for trust to be built, and over time the heart will be opened. Remember, slow is fast and fast is slow when it comes to relationships. There are many pitfalls to avoid, but the risk is worth it – so persevere!

Different Levels for Different Relationships

Our relationships are like the tides: we come in for a time of closeness, and we go out for a time to reflect and become all God has made us to be as an individual. Depending on the state of each person in a relationship, you will experience varying levels of intimacy, and not always in order. The full Nine levels are reserved for your primary relationships, for people you are committed to helping become perfectly mature in Christ Jesus, and for those who are helping you do the same.