Topics discussed in this podcast include recognizing dysfunctional rhythms, finding opportunities to connect, healthy confrontation, communication in marriage, the impact of distractions, the necessity of self-sacrifice, facing challenges and spiritual warfare, preserving marriages for future generations, rejecting intrusive thoughts, and introducing 'Hanging with the Fabians' and CD's story.
Develop healthy communication skills to improve understanding and connection in marriage.
Confession and apology create a safe environment for dialogue and resolution, nurturing growth and understanding in the marriage.
Recognize the spiritual nature of challenges in marriage and fight against the enemy's schemes, seeking God's guidance and strength to overcome spiritual warfare.
Deep dives
Addressing Communication Problems in Marriage
Many couples struggle with communication problems in their marriage, which can lead to misunderstanding and conflict. Common issues include difficulty understanding conflict and overcoming it, conflicts related to sex, parenting, finances, and old relationships, as well as distractions from technology and social media. It is important to learn and develop healthy communication skills to improve understanding and connection in the marriage.
The Power of Confession and Apology in Marriage
In a marriage, conflicts and misunderstandings can arise, causing hurt and resentment. However, the power of confession and apology cannot be undermined. Learning to confess our mistakes and apologize sincerely creates a safe environment for open dialogue and resolution. By exposing lies and addressing underlying issues, couples can rebuild trust and deepen their intimacy. Confession and apology facilitate growth, understanding, and restoration in the marriage.
Recognizing Spiritual Attack in Marriage
Marriage is a divine institution that reflects the image of God and is therefore a target for spiritual attack. The enemy seeks to pervert and destroy marriages as a way to thwart the representation of God's love and authority on earth. By recognizing the spiritual nature of challenges in marriage, couples can fight against the lies and schemes of the enemy, standing united in prayer and seeking God's guidance and strength to overcome spiritual warfare.
Protecting and Nurturing Oneness in Marriage
Oneness is a fundamental aspect of marriage, representing the union and connection between two individuals. Protecting and nurturing oneness requires humility, effective communication, and the willingness to actively listen and understand one another. By setting healthy boundaries, giving each other space, resolving conflicts promptly, and pursuing mutual growth, couples can deepen their oneness, intimacy, and love in the marriage.
The Power of Forgiveness and Restoration
Forgiveness and restoration are crucial in working through infidelity in a marriage. The process begins with forgiving the spouse who has betrayed, followed by a willingness to work through the issues. Both partners need to walk in humility, with the offending spouse taking responsibility and the wounded spouse extending grace. It's important to recognize that forgiveness comes in waves and is a process that takes time. Additionally, couples must be aware of triggers and past wounds that may resurface during the restoration process.
Guarding against Coping Mechanisms and Temptations
Couples should be vigilant in guarding their hearts and minds against coping mechanisms and temptations that can derail their marriage. This includes being intentional about what they watch, read, or engage with, as certain media can feed into unhealthy desires or fantasies. It's crucial to resist the lies of the enemy and recognize that these temptations are traps meant to lead couples away from their spouse and ultimately from God. By staying aware, seeking accountability, and relying on the Lord, couples can overcome these challenges and remain faithful to their marriage vows.
If marriage feels difficult, it’s not because you and your spouse are incompatible. It’s because you’re married. On today’s episode, Jackie and Preston are joined by mentors and friends CD and Melody Fabien for a conversation about fighting for intimacy. They talk about recognizing dysfunctional rhythms, finding opportunities to connect, not building cases against your spouse, healthy confrontation, and utilizing the greatest tool God has given us to find oneness in marriage: communication.