Scripture Matters Podcast - Season 2 Episode 2 - Marriage Matters

Marriage can feel fragile when the pressure piles up, but Scripture paints a clearer picture than most of what we hear from culture. We sit down to talk through God’s design for Christian marriage and why the Bible calls it a covenant, not a contract. That one word changes the way we approach commitment, love, and the hard seasons every couple eventually faces.

We start by defining biblical marriage as a sacred, lifelong union established by God, rooted all the way back in the Garden of Eden. From there we explore what Christ-centered marriage looks like in real life: Jesus as Lord over the home, love that goes deeper than feelings, and a shared purpose that keeps husband and wife on the same team. We also connect practical daily choices to spiritual outcomes, because strong marriages are built over time through humility, patience, honesty, and faithful service.

Then we get honest about the enemy’s playbook. Satan often attacks slowly through selfishness, pride, anger, poor communication, temptation, and spiritual neglect. We talk about warning signs that a marriage is drifting such as constant criticism, sarcasm, resentment, emotional distance, and refusing to seek help. Finally, we walk through protections God gives: seeking him first, praying together, keeping Scripture central, and applying Ephesians 5 and Colossians 3 with Christlike love, mutual humility, and respect.

If you want biblical marriage encouragement that’s practical and anchored in God’s Word, listen now, share it with someone you love, and subscribe. After you listen, what’s one choice you can make today that strengthens your marriage?

Transcript

Welcome And Ways To Connect

SPEAKER_01 0:00

Good afternoon, good folks, and we welcome you back once again to season number two of the Scripture Matters Podcast. We want to begin today's episode by telling you just how grateful we are that you've chosen to join us here today.

SPEAKER_02 0:15

And folks, we really, really do mean that. We know there are other places you could be right now, but we are so very thankful that you have decided to spend this time with us. And before we jump into today's episode, for those who may not know me, I am Cliff Thompson. I serve as one of the shepherds for the Waters Road Church of Christ, and I also teach adult Bible classes right alongside the Waters Road Brethren.

SPEAKER_01 0:41

And my name is Jonathan Sanford. I'm blessed to serve as the pulpit minister alongside the wonderful brethren of the Waters Road Church of Christ. Now, before we get started, whether you're watching us today on YouTube, Facebook, or maybe you're listening in on one of our many podcast platforms, let us take a moment to tell you how glad we are that you've chosen to continue with us on this journey through season number two.

SPEAKER_02 1:07

And hey, before we go any further, Jonathan, let's not forget our studio director, extraordinaire, Billy Sanford. We are very grateful for his work behind the scenes each and every week, helping to keep everything running smoothly throughout each episode of the Scripture Matters podcast.

SPEAKER_01 1:24

Absolutely. So uh let us take this moment to encourage you. We love to encourage our audience. Listen, if these conversations are helpful to you in any way whatsoever, please take a moment to like, share, subscribe, and follow.

SPEAKER_02 1:42

And folks, those simple steps, they really do help more people to find the Scripture Matters podcast. And our goal is to simply get God's word in front of as many people as we possibly can.

SPEAKER_01 1:55

That's right, Cliff. And let us also take this moment to remind you, as always, if you have any questions about anything that we cover in today's episode, or maybe you've watched previous episodes and questions have arrived, or you have comments or thoughts on your heart, we'd love to hear from you.

SPEAKER_02 2:14

And folks, you can reach out to us using the email addresses and the social media information that you see right on your screen.

SPEAKER_01 2:24

That's right. So listen, maybe today, uh, after this episode, you decide to review one of our previous episodes. If something stands out to you, if something challenges you like it does us, or maybe if you're working through something spiritually, we'd be honored that you took the moment to write to us.

SPEAKER_02 2:44

And folks, for those who have already reached out, thank you. Your encouragement and feedback truly mean a great deal to both Jonathan and myself.

What Christian Marriage Means

SPEAKER_01 2:55

Yeah, I second that, Cliff.

SPEAKER_02 2:57

Well, Jonathan, today we are turning our attention to a subject that touches both the homes, families, congregations, and generations, to be honest.

SPEAKER_01 3:09

Yeah, I'm excited to talk about it. Today's conversation is marriage matters. And let us say that we want to you and I uh and our audience to think carefully together about what God's Word teaches concerning Christian marriage. Cliff, since we have opened the door to today's conversation, let's begin with a foundation.

Covenant Love And Eden’s Design

SPEAKER_01 3:44

What is Christian marriage? Together, I hope that we can discover what God's word teaches about this lifelong covenant.

SPEAKER_02 4:00

Man, Jonathan, I'm really glad you used the word covenant there. I've heard it used many times before, but Jonathan, can you elaborate a little more on that word, its origin, and its meaning?

SPEAKER_01 4:17

Sure, Cliff. Well, when you look at the word, it really finds its origin uh from the Hebrew, the Hebrew word bareth, that's spelled B-E-R-I-T-H. Now, that word carries the idea of to cut, okay? Say that again. The Hebrew word bareth brings forth the idea to cut. Now, in some covenant settings, we know historically that an animal would be cut in half and the contracting parties would walk between the pieces. Now, this act symbolized a life or death commitment. If I break this promise, let me be treated as one of these sacrificed animals. So the idea of covenant is not casual, it is a binding and sacred agreement. Think about it this way: God initiates the relationship, God sets the terms, and man's responsibility is to respond with faithful obedience.

SPEAKER_02 5:34

Basically, Jonathan, what I'm hearing out of this is that we're talking about something that's much deeper than a mere kind of handshake type contract here.

SPEAKER_01 5:44

No, I think that's a great way to look at it, Cliff. When we think about covenant in scripture, we're thinking about something that is sacred, that is binding, and very serious before God.

SPEAKER_02 5:59

And Jonathan, that helps us understand marriage too, because marriage is not merely a human arrangement, it is something established by God between a man and a woman.

SPEAKER_01 6:11

Oh, absolutely, Cliff. The covenant in marriage is viewed not merely as a legal contract for convenience's sake, but again, we're talking about a sacred binding covenant, most importantly, established by God. And it involves a man, a woman, and God, and it requires lifelong faithfulness that is rooted in self-sacrificial love.

SPEAKER_02 6:42

Well, Jonathan, if marriage was established by God, then marriage had to begin with God. That means it had to have been established in the Garden of Eden for the good of mankind.

SPEAKER_01 6:54

No, you're very right in that matter. The covenant is made before God by one man and one woman for life.

SPEAKER_02 7:04

Oh, that's right. The world often changes this definition of marriage, Jonathan, but that does not change God's definition of marriage.

SPEAKER_01 7:13

Yeah, I'm 49 years old, and and and looking at how in my lifetime the uh concept, the definition of marriage has been changed so many times just in my lifetime. But let's look at it all the way back in the beginning. Okay, God created Adam first, and then from him formed Eve. God declared in that moment that it was not good for man to be alone, so he gave Adam a suitable partner, a help meet.

SPEAKER_02 7:47

Their relationship was not accidental either, Jonathan. It was designed by God's wisdom and his purpose, wasn't it?

SPEAKER_00 8:01

Uh you broke up, Cliff.

SPEAKER_01 8:02

I'll you your whole connection froze there for a little bit.

SPEAKER_02 8:07

My video froze?

SPEAKER_01 8:10

Your your internet, your your whole can uh connection froze there for a minute. Billy. Billy.

SPEAKER_02 8:17

Yeah, I'm here.

SPEAKER_01 8:18

Did you see that?

SPEAKER_02 8:19

Yeah, I saw that.

SPEAKER_01 8:21

Yeah. Uh go back to that line, Cliff, and um let's pick it up from there. I'll just have to edit it. You froze, it went like you know how uh when audio, when you lose bit rate on audio and it becomes robotic, that's what happened. It went robotic and then you froze. So let's pick up there from and it may not be you, it may have been StreamYard. They could have had a uh um, you know, they could have gotten a hit on some way. So we were at what? Um let me see.

SPEAKER_02 8:58

Their relationship was not accidental either, Jonathan.

SPEAKER_01 9:01

Yeah, so you pick up there and we'll just I'll just splice it through.

SPEAKER_02 9:05

Okay, their relationship was not accidental either, Jonathan. It was designed by God's wisdom and his purpose, wasn't it?

SPEAKER_01 9:14

Oh, it sure was. Marriage, hey, it was God's idea from the very beginning because he designed it, and since he designed it, guess what? He gets to determine how it should function.

SPEAKER_02 9:28

Jonathan, even Jesus reminded his listeners of this truth, he pointed them all the way back to the beginning instead of following the popular opinions of his day.

SPEAKER_01 9:39

Yeah, he sure did. Christian marriages recognize this fact that Jesus Christ is Lord over the home. Both husband and wife must ultimately submit themselves to his authority.

SPEAKER_02 9:56

And that would mean, Jonathan, neither the spouse becomes the highest authority. Christ at the head, and both husband and wife submit to him and strive to honor him.

SPEAKER_01 10:07

And let's add to that that we must remember that biblical love is so much deeper than feelings, okay? It involves commitment, sacrifice, that big word, patience, and of course, faithful service.

SPEAKER_02 10:25

It's interesting that you mentioned feelings, Jonathan, because feelings may change from day to day, but godly love chooses faithfulness even during difficult seasons.

SPEAKER_01 10:37

Yeah, and Cliff, let's let's honor the fact, because you and I both know this well, that in every marriage, right? Every marriage, difficult seasons become a reality. And that is why Christian marriages also provide companionship. God never intended for husbands and wives to face life's joys and life's sorrows alone.

SPEAKER_02 11:04

Yeah, they celebrate victories together, they share burdens together, and encourage one another through disappointments as well as hardships.

SPEAKER_01 11:16

Yeah, Cliff, that word together is so important right here because it speaks to unity. And I think that's so critical because it allows for a marriage not to turn into a competition between two people. Instead, husband and wife become partners working together toward the same spiritual goals. They encourage each other to remain faithful to Christ and to finish life's journey together. Every decision should uh ask one important question. Does this honor God and strengthen our marriage?

SPEAKER_02 12:05

Jonathan, forgiveness also becomes essential because every husband and wife will make mistakes. A healthy Christian marriage is not built upon perfection, it is built upon repentance, forgiveness, humility, and God's grace. Pride damages relationships, but humility opens the door for healing and reconciliation. Sometimes, Jonathan, the strongest words in a marriage are simply I was wrong, and please forgive me.

SPEAKER_01 12:46

Oh, absolutely, Cliff. You're so right in that. Think about it this way: Christian marriages also should value honesty. Trust grows when husbands and wives speak truthfully with one another. Secrets and deception cause distance, but honesty builds confidence and lasting security. Time together is another blessing that God provides through marriage.

SPEAKER_02 13:22

Jonathan, strong marriages do not happen accidentally, they require attention, conversation, patience, and shared experiences, too.

SPEAKER_01 13:33

No, you're right, Cliff. And I and I promise everybody out there, difficult days are certainly going to come because every marriage faces challenges.

SPEAKER_02 13:44

And that's why a marriage centered upon Christ has a firm foundation that helps couples endure life storms together.

SPEAKER_01 13:53

Yeah, and I think it's so important for folks to remember that Christian marriage is not merely about happiness today.

SPEAKER_02 14:03

Oh, that's right. It's about helping one another reach heaven while honoring God through this life journey.

SPEAKER_01 14:11

Yeah, and along that very journey that you speak of, your adversary, yeah, the devil, will try every way he can to destroy your marriage.

SPEAKER_02 14:23

Yeah, and Jonathan, that's what I think we need to discuss next.

SPEAKER_01 14:29

In

Satan’s Slow Attack On Marriage

SPEAKER_01 14:30

this second section here of Marriage Matters, we're going to discuss one of Satan's oldest strategies. Uh attacking the very marriage relationship that God designed.

SPEAKER_02 14:45

And Jonathan, since marriage reflects God's wisdom, it naturally becomes one of the devil's favorite targets.

SPEAKER_01 14:53

Oh, that's absolutely true, Cliff. And and the devil, you think about this, he doesn't usually destroy a marriage overnight.

SPEAKER_02 15:01

Oh, no, sir, Jonathan. He works patiently through small compromises that slowly weakens trust, weakens communication, and spiritual commitment. Oh, and Jonathan, it is seen when instead of asking, How can I serve my spouse? Selfishness asks, What am I getting out of this marriage?

SPEAKER_01 15:33

That's right, Cliff. That attitude changes the focus from giving to receiving.

SPEAKER_02 15:40

And when both spouses become self-centered, Jonathan, conflict usually increase while love and patience begin to decrease.

SPEAKER_01 15:50

I wish that that was his only error. I wish that selfishness was Satan's only tool. Another weapon, Cliff, is poor communication.

SPEAKER_02 16:01

Yeah, the devil enjoys silence, misunderstanding, and assumptions, Jonathan, because they often create unnecessary hurt feelings.

SPEAKER_01 16:11

That's right. Couples may stop talking honestly with one another.

SPEAKER_02 16:17

Yeah, instead of discussing problems calmly, they allow frustrations to grow until small disagreements become major arguments.

SPEAKER_01 16:27

And from these major arguments, right, anger can also become a dangerous doorway.

SPEAKER_02 16:35

Yeah, an uncontrolled anger often produces words that cannot be taken back, Jonathan.

SPEAKER_01 16:41

Yeah, Cliff, and hurtful words leave long-lasting scars. Um, we're warned by that by someone very wise, Solomon, where he writes in Proverbs chapter 12 and verse 18 thoughtless words can wound as deeply as any sword.

SPEAKER_02 17:03

And even after forgiveness, Jonathan, careless speech can still affect trust and emotional uh closeness.

SPEAKER_01 17:11

Yeah, Cliff, but let's not forget here Satan's, I think his most valued weapon, and it's called pride.

SPEAKER_02 17:21

Jonathan, he knows how to use pride probably better than anything. He is well aware that pride refuses to admit mistakes.

SPEAKER_01 17:31

Yeah, pride is what got Satan in the position that he's in right now, and it's not a good place to be. He knows very well, Satan knows that a simple apology from a sincere heart can prevent many arguments.

SPEAKER_02 17:48

But where he knows that, pride also whispers, don't admit you're wrong.

SPEAKER_01 17:54

No, you're no, you're exactly right, Cliff. When you have pride, the devil uses that to build up temptation to look outside that marriage. He encourages emotional and physical relationships that sadly violate the marriage covenant. And he knows if that happens too fast, that there is more of a chance that it will be discovered and stopped. So affairs rarely begin suddenly, they often start with small boundaries being ignored until serious sin follows. It's so necessary to always be guarding the heart. And to do that, Cliff Husbands and wives should avoid situations that encourage inappropriate emotional attachments.

SPEAKER_02 19:12

It promotes selfishness, it promotes immorality and disrespect towards marriage. You know, constant exposure can slowly influence our thinking. Christians should be very careful to examine whether the entertainment that they are watching or doing honors God's standard and honors the sacred covenant of the marriage.

SPEAKER_01 19:38

And while there are too many ways for us to cover all of Satan's tactics in one episode, we cannot and must not leave this section without looking at a subject that has been a very destructive part of many marriages, and that is financial disagreements. Folks, please hear me when I say this. Money in and of itself is not evil. Let me say it again. Money, in and of itself, it's not evil. But disagreements about spending, debt, or financial priorities can create tremendous stress in a marriage relationship. Couples should remember that they are on the same team. In a marriage of harmony, working together will produce better decisions where both husband and wife are on the same page rather than competing against one another.

SPEAKER_02 20:53

Yeah, Jonathan. And you can throw also in their careers and hobbies and sports and activities that may slowly replace quality time together.

SPEAKER_01 21:04

Yeah, absolutely, Cliff. You can have two people living in the same house and yet slowly, sadly, drifting apart. The key is to always remember, good folks, we should never underestimate Satan's influence or what he's going to try to throw at our marriages.

SPEAKER_02 21:24

But Jonathan, we should also never underestimate God's ability to strengthen marriages that seek his will.

SPEAKER_01 21:32

Oh, thanks be to God for that, Cliff. Amen. Amen. Victory begins when both husbands and wives recognize the enemy and refuse to follow his temptations.

SPEAKER_02 21:46

Jonathan, there is no doubt that when couples remain committed to Christ and one another, Satan's effort becomes far less effective.

SPEAKER_01 21:56

Yeah, but what if? Let's play that what if game. The devil's influence has already infiltrated our marriages. Okay. In our next section, Cliff, let's discuss some warning signs with our audience that may indicate that a marriage is already beginning to drift apart and why recognizing these warning signs early is so very important.

SPEAKER_02 22:23

That sounds great, Jonathan. Let's talk about that right now.

Warning Signs A Marriage Is Drifting

SPEAKER_01 22:31

Good folks, in our third section, we need to look at some of the signs that a marriage may be starting to fall apart. And when it comes to those signs, one of the first warning signs is poor communication.

SPEAKER_02 22:46

It sure is, Jonathan. You begin to find that conversation becomes short, guarded, or filled with frustrations instead of understanding and encouragement.

SPEAKER_01 22:56

Yeah, rather than solving problems together, they simply stop talking about important matters. And that silence can be just as harmful as angry words.

SPEAKER_02 23:09

I know, Jonathan, you and I have seen this in conversations with couples. When communications disappear, misunderstandings usually become more common.

SPEAKER_01 23:19

And then before you know it, Cliff, two people. You've got two people who are constantly criticizing each other.

SPEAKER_02 23:27

Yeah, and when that happens, Jonathan, instead of noticing strengths, spouses begin focusing almost entirely on weaknesses and mistakes.

SPEAKER_01 23:36

And when that happens, Cliff, encouragements between the husband and wife become very rare.

SPEAKER_02 23:42

Yeah, Jonathan. Compliments disappear while complaints become part of your everyday conversations.

SPEAKER_00 23:50

Oh, you're so right about that, Cliff. A growing, you're so very right about that, Cliff.

SPEAKER_01 23:58

A growing lack of respect should also concern Christian couples. What you will notice is that disrespect may appear through sarcasm, insults, ridicule, or speaking harshly, both in public or in private. Listen, folks, mutual respect is essential for a healthy marriage. And without respect, trust and emotional security will often begin to fade.

SPEAKER_02 24:34

Jonathan, that attitude allows bitterness to grow. Now, bitterness is one of those emotions that often becomes harder to remove the longer it remains. It can lead to a lack of desire to focus and forgive one another. Old mistakes continue resurfacing instead of being forgiven and left behind. And before long, unresolved hurts begin affecting every future disagreement.

SPEAKER_01 25:05

Cliff, the the sad thing is that even when these warning signs are seen in a marriage, one spouse or the other may still refuse to seek help. And one of the reasons for that, of course, is pride. Sometimes people don't want to sit down and talk because they're afraid that in that moment they may have to admit, hey, I was wrong. But humility is necessary for the good of the marriage.

SPEAKER_02 25:40

Jonathan, I think for some folks, it can feel scary to face the possibility that they may have to acknowledge that they have been wrong.

SPEAKER_01 25:50

Yeah, Cliff, I've seen this in marriage counseling that I've been a part of over the years with good people. And I think sincere people struggle with this. But again, let us say that recognizing these warning signs and trying to do so early and making that acknowledgement within the marriage is not meant to create fear.

SPEAKER_02 26:13

Oh no, sir, Jonathan. It is meant to encourage honest self-examination before greater damage occurs.

SPEAKER_01 26:21

And believe you me, every marriage is going to face a challenge like this from time to time.

SPEAKER_02 26:28

But the important question, Jonathan, is whether both husband and wife remain willing to turn back towards God together.

SPEAKER_01 26:36

And let us say the earlier that these problems are recognized, I think the greater opportunity exists for healing.

SPEAKER_02 26:44

With humility, repentance, forgiveness, and commitment, Jonathan, many struggle in marriage can become strong once again.

SPEAKER_01 26:55

And Cliff, that's why there is always hope. In our next section, let's talk about what God's word teaches about protecting a marriage and keeping it strong according to God's will.

SPEAKER_02 27:10

That sounds great to me, Jonathan. Let's kick that off now.

Protecting Marriage By Putting God First

SPEAKER_01 27:16

Cliff, right here in section number four, as we look at what God's word says about making sure this does not happen, we know that the wonderful thing is that God does not leave us without a way to protect our marriages.

SPEAKER_02 27:32

Oh, absolutely, Jonathan. The greatest protection for any marriage is to put God first.

SPEAKER_01 27:38

Oh, that reminds me of something Jesus said in Matthew chapter 6 and verse 33, right? Seek ye first the kingdom of God and his righteousness.

SPEAKER_02 27:48

You know, although Jesus was not speaking only about marriage there, Jonathan, but the principle certainly applies. God must always remain our highest priority.

SPEAKER_01 27:59

Yeah, think about this. If marriage, inside that marriage, God is put forth first in both the heart of the husband and wife, then that leaves very little room for selfishness to grow.

SPEAKER_02 28:13

Yeah, and Jonathan, that happens when a couple strive to please God before pleasing themselves.

SPEAKER_01 28:22

Oh, it sure does, Cliff. And also something that is very important in protecting a marriage is prayer. Philippians chapter 4 teaches us that we should bring our requests to God with thanksgiving instead of being controlled by anxiety. When a marriage is built around prayer, and a husband and wife both invite God into their lives on a daily basis, they start shutting down those doors of entry for the devil. Prayer also reminds us that we depend upon God's wisdom instead of on our own understanding and Jonathan.

SPEAKER_02 29:08

To that end, God's word must also remain central within the home. You know, 2 Timothy 3 says scripture equips us for every good work. Now that includes being better husbands as well as being better wives. Through God's word, we learn how to speak, we learn how to forgive, we learn how to love, and we learn how to serve. Folks, these are essential for a strong marriage. We should never expect strong marriages while neglecting God's instructions.

SPEAKER_01 29:44

Something else here, Cliff.

Ephesians 5 Love Submission Respect

SPEAKER_01 29:46

Let's just pause and together, let's invite our audience to look with us to Ephesians chapter 5. Ephesians chapter 5 gives us a beautiful set of guidance for husbands. Husbands are instructed in Ephesians chapter 5 to love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her. Christ's love was a sacrificial love, the greatest form of sacrificial love. So a husband who has the leadership responsibility in a marriage should never be selfish or harsh. Instead, he should be humble, loving, and seeking always the good of the family.

SPEAKER_02 30:36

Yes, Jonathan. But a key verse that many husbands like to overlook is Ephesians chapter 5 and verse 21, which says, Submitting to one another out of reverence to Christ. This submitting to one another is mutual and it does not exclude the husband. But true submission by the wife also leads to respect, which is what God tells a wife to show towards her husband anyway. Respect encourages unity and it reflects God's design for the marriage relationship. But both submission and respect requires humility. Submission, love, and respect work together to strengthen any home, Jonathan.

SPEAKER_01 31:26

And to add to that, Cliff, Colossians chapter 3 gives additional instructions that husbands are told to love their wives and not be harsh with them. There is a reason for that, too, if you think about it, because harsh words can wound deeply, while kindness opens doors that anger never could. Yeah, I've always loved that statement uh the apostle Paul puts forth. Yeah, and just imagine, Cliff, how it would strengthen a marriage if both spouses were trying to outdo one another with honor.

SPEAKER_02 32:18

Oh, Jonathan, that kind of attitude leaves little room for selfishness or pride.

SPEAKER_01 32:25

Oh, it sure does. Now, add to that small acts of kindness and patience, and don't forget honesty and forgiveness, and those things together will accumulate into lasting strength.

SPEAKER_02 32:39

And Jonathan, that strength is what helps hold a solid marriage together.

SPEAKER_01 32:44

Yes, Cliff. But above all, biblical love must always remain the solid foundation.

SPEAKER_02 32:52

Jonathan, with you speaking about biblical love, going back to Colossians chapter three, it says that above everything else, believers should put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

SPEAKER_01 33:07

Yeah, that's right, Cliff. We'll be talking about that a little bit later on in a discussion about unity. But the the key point here is that God's plan has never changed.

SPEAKER_02 33:19

No, his wisdom still provides the strongest foundation for every Christian marriage today.

SPEAKER_01 33:24

Yeah, and marriages that are protected by God's word are much better prepared to face temptation, hardship, disappointment, and that that bad word change.

SPEAKER_02 33:40

When husbands and wives faithfully walk with Christ, they also learn to walk faithfully beside one another.

SPEAKER_01 33:49

Yeah, Cliff.

Final Takeaways And Next Week Preview

SPEAKER_01 33:50

And as we wrap up today's episode here together, I just want to say, I hope this conversation has reminded you and me and all of us out there just how important Christian marriage really is.

SPEAKER_02 34:04

It really is, Jonathan. Marriage is one of God's greatest blessings, and it is far more than a legal arrangement. It's a lifelong concub.

SPEAKER_01 34:24

Yeah, just start there with it really is. Okay.

SPEAKER_02 34:29

It really is, Jonathan. Marriage is one of God's greatest blessings, and it's far more than a legal arrangement, it is a lifelong covenant built upon love, commitment, faithfulness, and obedience to God.

SPEAKER_01 34:44

And that, Cliff, is why God and Christ Jesus must remain at the very center of our home. When a husband and wife are both seeking Him first, they are always going to be better prepared to love one another, serve one another, forgive one another, and endure life's difficult seasons together.

SPEAKER_02 35:09

Yeah, and Jonathan, we also talked about how Satan seeks to divide marriages.

SPEAKER_01 35:13

Yeah.

SPEAKER_02 35:14

He still uses selfishness, pride, anger, temptation, dishonesty, poor communication, and spiritual neglect.

SPEAKER_01 35:24

And I just think we have to be honest with one another about those very dangers. Strong marriages do not happen accidentally, they require attention, humility, prayer, honesty, patience, and a continual return to God's Word.

SPEAKER_02 35:43

That is why those warning signs matter too, Jonathan. Poor communication, constant criticism, resentment, emotional distance, and a complete neglected spiritual life should never, ever be ignored.

SPEAKER_01 36:00

No, that's right. Recognizing again these signs is not meant to create fear. Instead, it's meant to encourage honest self-examination before greater damage is ever done.

SPEAKER_02 36:14

And thankfully, God does not leave husbands and wife without any direction.

SPEAKER_01 36:19

No, he certainly does not. I love that fact that he teaches us to seek him first, pray together, remain rooted in scripture, show honor, patience, humility, and put on the very kind of love that binds everything together in harmony.

SPEAKER_02 36:38

And Jonathan, I think one of the biggest reminders from today is that strong marriages are not built in a single day.

SPEAKER_01 36:46

No, for everybody out there, please hear us when we say they are built on one faithful decision at a time. Every prayer matters, every word of encouragement truly matters, every choice to forgive matters, every opportunity to serve matters, and above all, Christ-like love matters. Well, let's take a deep breath here. Very difficult subject, but Cliff and I are so honored to share this and have this conversation with you. And just we want to thank you again for spending this time with us as we've talked together about God's design for marriage. Now, our prayer going forward is that this conversation we've shared here together will encourage stronger homes, stronger families, and stronger congregations devoted to serving the Lord.

SPEAKER_02 37:43

And Lord's willing, next week we'll continue season two with another subject that reaches deeply into our homes, relationships, and our walk with God.

SPEAKER_01 37:54

Yeah, let's let's take a deep breath on this one because next week's conversation is called Forgiveness Matters. And, you know, when we were putting together this line of topics, we wanted a natural flow. And listen, it's such a natural follow-up. When you're talking about marriage, um, you cannot talk about any meaningful relationship for any amount of time without eventually having to talk about forgiveness.

SPEAKER_02 38:25

Yeah, in that episode, we'll talk about why forgiveness can be so difficult when it hurts is personal. We'll look at what forgiveness is and what it is not, and why forgiven people must learn to forgive.

SPEAKER_01 38:42

And we're gonna have to handle that conversation very carefully because forgiveness is not shallow, it's not pretending that the hurt you feel is not real, but it is something God calls us as his people to learn to bring our wounds, our hurts, and our hearts and our relationships back to the cross.

SPEAKER_02 39:10

So, folks, we really do hope you will join us for that very important conversation.

SPEAKER_01 39:15

That's right. As we started out today's episode, if you've got any questions, comments, or subjects that you have on your heart, please share those with us. Reach out to us using the email addresses and the social media contacts that you see on your screen right here, right now.

SPEAKER_02 39:34

And if this episode or this season had been helpful to you, folks, please take a moment to like, share, follow, and subscribe.

SPEAKER_01 39:43

Yeah, that big old thing called an algorithm. Well, the things that you do as an audience member as we have these conversations together, when you like, share, comment, and subscribe, um, it helps many more people find the Scripture Matters podcast. And again, our goal, as Cliff said at the beginning of this episode, is that it allows God's word to find more hearts, more homes.

SPEAKER_02 40:08

You can watch Scripture Matters on YouTube as well as Facebook, folks.

SPEAKER_01 40:13

And you can listen on Buzz Sprout, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms. So, folks, until next time, hey, this is Jonathan Sanford and Cliff Thompson, reminding each and every one of you out there today to stay focused. Folks, stay grounded. And remember, as always, good folks, scripture matters. Goodbye, everybody.