Obedience to the ways of Jesus can sound closed-minded or restrictive, but in today’s episode we’re breaking down that myth for good.
We’re delighted to have pastor Rich Villodas join us today to talk about what it looks like to live on the Narrow Path Jesus taught about, and why it creates the most expansive life you could have. Learn what cultural Christianity gets wrong about the way of Jesus and how to walk the narrow way for a more joy filled life and marriage.
We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.
Episode highlights include:
Signs you’re not living out the Narrow Path Jesus taught about
Learn the damaging beliefs of cultural Christianity that don’t align with Jesus’ teaching
Ways that shallow faith shows up in marriage - and what to do about it
Internal shifts to help you value what matters to your spouse
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*Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!
Couples Conversation Guide:
Main takeaway: Dying to self to live in Christ is the path to a full and expansive life. What would it look like to live this out in your marriage today?
Questions to Discuss:
How are you doing with each of the cultural values of successism, moralism, and hyperindividualism in your marriage?
What growth step would help you follow the narrow way of Jesus more closely with each of those?
QUOTES
“It seems restrictive on the outside, but ultimately following Jesus leads to greater spaciousness in our lives.” - Rich Villodas
“Is it possible for Christians to be on the ‘broad path’? Absolutely. Which is why the Sermon on the Mount is a wake up call to the kind of discipleship that Jesus is calling us to live into.” - Rich Villodas
“Jesus is saying, ‘the kind of life you were designed for is found in my teachings.’” - Rich Villodas
“We might be on the broad path if we are organizing our lives according to worldly notions of what success is.” - Rich Villodas
“The paradox of the Christian life is that to die in Christ is to actually come alive and truly live.” - Rich Villodas
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Rich’s new book The Narrow Path: How the Subversive Way of Jesus Satisfies Our Souls
Find more from Rich on his website, on Instagram, and learn more about his church, NewLife.nyc
Ready to break free from negative thought patterns? Use these 11 Prayers to get you on the right path!
Grab the beloved House Prayer Cards and make praying over your home a regular part of your day!
Our ministry is made possibly ONLY through our generous donors. Plus, they get each month’s new marriage resource automatically, as well as some other exclusive perks! Learn more about Marriage Changers Membership here.
Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for quick weekly marriage tips!
Conflict in marriage is inevitable: it’s how you handle it that matters most. But what about couples who really never fight? What happens to conflict that is never addressed and only stays under the surface? Does it ever really go away?
Listen today to learn better ways to handle the issues you don’t know how to deal with.
Episode highlights include:
Tips to initiate a hard conversation you’ve been avoiding
How to stay grounded when you want to shut down
How conflict can actually lead to better intimacy and connection
Helpful nonconfrontational ways to broach difficult topics
Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for quick weekly marriage tips!
*Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!
Couples Conversation Guide:
Main takeaway: Dealing with the important issues together paves the way for true peace, and learning effective conflict solving skills is a win for your marriage.
Questions to Discuss:
Some skills mentioned are: Intentionality - set up a good time to talk, use “I” statements, do not blame your spouse, focus on what you would like to achieve together through the conversation. Pick the one that would help you the most.
What is one easy issue you can tackle together to practice better resolution skills? Focus on using your chosen skill.
QUOTES
If a couple said they never had conflict, I would think they’re not being completely honest with each other. - Dr. Kim Kimberling
I think the more you fear conflict, the less you’re able to resolve it. - Lindsay Few
We want to equip couples to handle it in a healthy way. - Lindsay Few
Conflict is not bad in itself. It’s how we handle conflict. - Dr. Kim Kimberling
Yes, we want peace in our homes. But you can’t have it if you ignore things that need to be dealt with. - Dr. Kim Kimberling
It’s ok if you get stuck, just don’t stay stuck. - Dr. Kim Kimberling
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Do you want a better friendship with your spouse? Build your friendship with the 5 Day Friendship Challenge.
Have you lost the connection you once had? Rebuild friendship with your spouse using the 5 Day Rebuilding Friendship Challenge.
Our ministry is made possibly ONLY through our generous donors. Plus, they get each month’s new marriage resource automatically, as well as some other exclusive perks! Learn more about Marriage Changers Membership here.
Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for quick weekly marriage tips!
Marriage conflict is hard, but you know what makes it even harder? Trying to WIN. Because if you win, that means your spouse loses. And that’s not great for your marriage connection. Break out of the “my way” versus “your way” myth and learn what it means to work together to have a win for your marriage.
Today we’re unpacking the process of how to win TOGETHER. We pray this episode is helpful for you and your marriage.
Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for quick weekly marriage tips!
Episode highlights include:
Why taking divorce off the table changes the dynamics of conflict.
What does it mean for the marriage to “win” and how can you do it?
Key steps for healthy conflict resolution
The importance of empathy and proactive communication to prevent arguments.
*Music for this podcast is created by Noah Copeland. Check him out here!
Couples Conversation Guide
Main takeaway: Marriage conflict is hard. When you try to win, you make it even harder.
Questions to Discuss:
Are there any issues that have you stuck in a “win/lose” cycle?
Have you considered any creative “third” options (options that aren’t “your way” or “their way”) that could solve the issue?
Brainstorm possible options. During brainstorming, no idea is too out there! Just get lots of other options on the table to help you start looking for marriage wins instead of fighting over your individual preference.
QUOTES
"If you’re trying to win, that means your spouse loses." - Dr. Kim Kimberling
"A marriage win creates two winners." - Dr. Kim Kimberling
"Ask: What's going to make our marriage win?" - Dr. Kim Kimberling
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
Get the Love Making Survey 2.0! Now expanded with 20 new questions PLUS the 7-day Love Making Challenge, it’s our Giving Tuesday gift to you, as a thank you for your donation to the ministry of Awesome Marriage!
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Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for quick weekly marriage tips!