Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.— James 4:8a (ESV)
“Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you.” — James 4:8a (ESV) Intimacy the Kingdom Way: In the Kingdom of God, intimacy isn’t just physical or emotional—it’s spiritual, eternal, and covenantal. It's the closeness that flows from being fully known and fully loved by God and others. Here’s how Kingdom intimacy unfolds: 1. Intimacy with God: - It's about access and vulnerability—no masks, no fear. - Through Jesus, the veil was torn (Matthew 27:51), so we can come boldly before God (Hebrews 4:16). - We don’t pursue Him for blessings—we pursue Him to be with Him. - Psalm 27:4 — “One thing I ask... to dwell in the house of the Lord... to gaze upon His beauty.” 2. Intimacy with Self: - The Kingdom way calls you to see yourself as God sees you—fearfully, wonderfully, and intentionally made (Psalm 139:14). - It’s learning to be at peace with your story, including the broken parts that God has made beautiful (Isaiah 61:3). - Kingdom intimacy involves inner healing—restoring your heart to wholeness so you can live authentically. 3. Intimacy with Others: - In Kingdom relationships, intimacy is built on truth, trust, and transparency, not shame or performance. - Ephesians 4:2-3 talks about bearing with one another in love, with humility and patience—this is the soil where intimacy grows. - Covenant relationships (marriage, family, Kingdom friendships) mirror the intimacy God has with us: committed, sacrificial, and grace-filled. A Kingdom View of Intimacy: - It’s rooted in covenant, not convenience. - It grows through communion, not control. - It blossoms in the Spirit, not in striving.