In this episode, our hosts Caleb and Cathy are joined by fellow Perimeter counselor Karen Benater to talk about marriage—why it’s hard, why it’s worth it, and how God uses it to sanctify us. Together they unpack common false beliefs about marriage, inviting listeners to see it not as something to endure alone, but as a place where God sanctifies and grows us together.

Throughout the conversation, they discuss what it looks like view one another as image bearers of God, create intentional time for connection, healthy conflict management, and when it’s time to pursue counseling.

We pray this episode encourages you in your marriage and reminds you that help is available. If you’re in need of support, we invite you to reach out to Perimeter Counseling for marriage counseling and care here.

Additional Resources:

• Read Tim Keller’s book, Meaning of Marriage

• Read Steve Hoppe’s book, Talking as Teammates

• Read Bob Lepine’s book, Build a Stronger Marriage

• (00:00:00) - Podcast
• (00:00:27) - Everything There Is to Know About Marriage In 20 Minutes
• (00:01:05) - Ex-Marriage Expert on our Counseling
• (00:02:19) - The Statement That Marriage Is Hard
• (00:07:58) - Talking About Growing Intimacy in Marriage
• (00:10:05) - Do We Anticipate the Worst in Our Spouse?
• (00:11:48) - The False Narrative in Our Marriage
• (00:17:41) - James 4: Differences of Personality Are Not Sin
• (00:21:57) - Conflict Management and Its Impact
• (00:23:46) - How to Honor My Spouse in the Middle of Conflict
• (00:28:37) - Conflict in the Marriage
• (00:33:18) - Should Couples Pursue Marriage Counseling?
• (00:35:20) - A Taste of the 2020 Olympics