Protect, Strengthen, Be Her Refuge

In this week’s episode, we shift the conversation from inner healing to how that healing actually plays out inside your marriage. Jerrad opens up about the quieter, less flashy season Dad Tired has entered, and why he’s more encouraged than ever as he hears private stories of repentance, courage, and healing from men around the world.

Then we turn to the heart of Step 005: your marriage is meant to display Christ’s love for His church. Not primarily your happiness. Not comfort. But a living, breathing picture of the gospel inside your home. When we lose sight of that, everything in marriage starts to unravel. When we stay focused on it, everything begins to fall into place.

From there, we get ultra-practical. Jerrad unpacks four clear, measurable ways husbands can model Christ’s love toward their wives — ways you can start evaluating and practicing this week.

What We Cover

• Why external “hype” has faded… and why that’s actually a good thing
• The unseen, private faithfulness of men that is changing generations
• The biblical symbolism of marriage — from Genesis to Jesus
• Why marriage falls apart when we expect it to serve our happiness
• How to reset your expectations around the purpose of marriage
• Four simple questions every husband should ask himself each week
• Why your wife is meant to feel emotionally, spiritually, and physically safe with you

Four Ways Christ Loves His Church… and How We Model Them

(With verses for your study)

1. Christ Pursues First
   Romans 5:8
   You take initiative. You move toward her. You start the conversations. You pursue her heart.
2. Christ Sacrifices Daily
   Ephesians 5:25, Mark 10:45
   You lay down comfort, preference, ego, and convenience for her good — with joy, not resentment.
3. Christ Shows Compassion
   Hebrews 4:15, 1 Peter 3:7
   You slow down, listen well, empathize, honor her, and create emotional safety.
4. Christ Protects and Strengthens
   2 Thessalonians 3:3
   You become a refuge — physically, emotionally, spiritually — where she feels secure and lifted up.

Free Download: Step 005 PDF

We created a full PDF to help you process Step 005 on your own or with a Garage Group:
dadtired.com/7steps

This includes:

• A theological overview of marriage
• Common barriers men face
• Practical exercises
• Reflection questions
• Scripture study prompts
• The four measurable areas of pursuit

Partner With the Mission

Dad Tired is at 7% of its 2026 fundraising goal. If this ministry has helped you and you want to stand with the thousands of quiet, faithful men doing the work no one sees, you can give at:
dadtired.com/donate

Episode Sponsor: Tyndale — The One Year Bible

Start reading the Bible daily in a simple and sustainable way.
Choose from multiple paths and editions: men’s, women’s, journaling, prayer, chronological, and more.
Learn more at: oneyearbible.com

Links Mentioned

• Step 005 PDF: dadtired.com/7steps
• Donate: dadtired.com/donate
• One Year Bible: oneyearbible.com