Satan wants to destroy your marriage.
That’s no scare tactic. Satan hates marriage because a loving, committed couple who use their gifts to serve each other and their community is one of the most powerful forces on Earth. Strong, healthy, god-fearing marriages produce strong, healthy, god-fearing families and communities.
To corrupt marriages, Satan attacks couples through lies that promote unhealthy fairy-tale expectations and destructive relationship myths.
Dr. Greg Smalley and Dr. Bob Paul have seen these lies at work in many couples’ marriages. Greg is the Vice President of Marriage here at Focus on the Family. Bob heads up our Hope Restored marriage intensives, our outreach to couples on the brink of separation or divorce.
They say there are nine lies that routinely crop up between couples:
- Happiness is the primary goal of marriage.
- Marriage is all about unity, not individuality.
- The only thing couples need is love.
- You must sacrifice who you are for the sake of your marriage.
- You must meet each other’s needs.
- Your differences are irreconcilable.
- You must work hard to earn your spouse’s love.
- You must “fix” your spouse.
- To compromise is to lose the argument.
The antidote to a lie is truth. Truth brings hope and healing to married couples.
On our Focus on the Family Broadcast “Combating the Lies That Can Destroy Your Marriage,” Greg and Bob are with us to break down each myth and to explain God’s design for marriage. Listen on your local radio station, online, on Apple Podcasts, via Google Podcasts, or take us with you on our free phone app.
Marriage is at the forefront of our ministry here at Focus on the Family. We place such emphasis on it because it’s the foundation of the family structure. It’s also a picture of the Gospel, reflecting Christ’s love for people.
While marriage can be filled with beautiful moments, there are also challenges. There’s no denying that it takes a lot of work and intentionality. And when you are prepared to face those challenges, you’ll be able to weather the storms and come out better on the other side.
If you’re on the brink of divorce, our Hope restored marriage intensives can go a long way toward facilitating healing between you and your spouse and bringing restoration to your relationship. The intensives take place in four locations: Branson, MO; Greenville, MI; the WinShape Retreat Center in Rome, GA; and our brand new location in Cave Creek, AZ. The number for Hope Restored is 1-866-875-2915, or visit online.
And while you’re online, why not take a few moments to try our free Marriage Assessment online tool? It will help you quickly determine what’s working well in your relationship and identify areas where you may need some improvement.
Before I close, I’d like to extend an invitation for you to become a special partner with us through our monthly “Friends of Focus on the Family” program. When you do, I’ll send you a copy of Dr. Greg Smalley and Dr. Bob Paul are co-authors of the book 9 Lies That Will Destroy Your Marriage: And the Truths That Will Save It and Set It Free as a way of saying thank you for touching others with the love of Christ. You’ll also receive member-exclusive benefits. To make your pledge, or for more information, click here or call 1-800-A-FAMILY (232-6459).
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