Again, vice is the wrong use of our conceptual images of things, which leads us to misuse the things themselves. In relation to women, for example, sexual intercourse, rightly used, has as its purpose the begetting of children. He, therefore, who seeks in it only sensual pleasure uses it wrongly, for he reckons as good what is not good. When such a man has intercourse with a woman, he misuses her. And the same is true with regard to other things and our conceptual images of them. (Maximos the Confessor)

There is a profound insight here and a principle that can keep us from harm. The key is perceiving and setting right our purposes.

Is the begetting of children the only right purpose of sexual intercourse? I understand the logic that could reach such a conclusion. But we are clearly called to relationship with others: intellectual, spiritual, and physical relationship. Might sexual intercourse also have the purpose of making more intimate our relationships?

Intimacy of any sort is powerful. As a result it is especially inclined to misuse. But full and mutual engagement is propelled by intellectual and spiritual intercourse. Sexual intercourse can also contribute to such purpose.