Is Your Relationship Abusive?

No Relationship is perfect. But when does "not perfect" cross the line into abuse? That's the question Leslie answers in today's episode. 

1. Types of Relationships:

• Differentiate between difficult, disappointing, and destructive marriages.
• Difficulties can bring couples closer if handled maturely.
• There are many external stressors in marriages.

2. Disappointing Marriages:

• Discuss common expectations that lead to disappointment.
• Emphasize the importance of accepting imperfections in a spouse.

3. Recognizing Destructive Relationships:

• Define abusive and destructive relationships.
• What the Bible teaches about love, harm, and taking responsibility.
• If an abusive incident happens, it is very important that the behavior does not continue.  

4. Types of Abuse:

• Emotional, financial, sexual, and spiritual.
• Leslie explains the motivations behind using these abusive tactics, primarily control and power.
• What is the impact of abusive tactics on the victim's self-esteem and freedom?

5. Addressing Sexual Abuse:

• Misconceptions about sexual abuse in marriage.
• Analyze 1 Corinthians 7 and its interpretation regarding consent.
• The importance of mutual respect and consent in marital intimacy.

6. Emotional Abuse:

• Is "emotional abuse" talked about in the Bible?
• The power of words and their impact on individuals.
• Scriptural references about the impact of words on relationships.

7. Taking Responsibility:

• Leslie and Julie discuss the notion of provocation in abusive relationships.
• The reality of individual responsibility for emotional reactions.
• Self-awareness and self-improvement is encouraged in order to break the cycle of abuse.

8. Seeking Help:

• Guidance for individuals in abusive relationships.

Resources: Free test to discover if you're in a destructive relationship Kindle version of Leslie's book, "The Emotionally Destructive Marriage"