If You Aren’t Doing Well Spiritually
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This episode of the Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast addresses the critical issue of spiritual disconnection in marriages, emphasizing that spiritual intimacy is foundational to relational health. Host John Fuller, along with marriage experts Greg and Aaron Smalley, discuss how 50-70% of couples seeking help report feeling spiritually disconnected from God and each other. Drawing on both biblical truth and secular research, they highlight the profound impact of spiritual connection on marital stability and emotional closeness. The conversation centers on practical, grace-filled strategies for couples—especially those where one partner is more spiritually engaged than the other—such as self-assessment, leading by example, gentle invitation, and finding everyday moments to draw God into conversations and routines. The hosts stress that spiritual intimacy doesn’t require formal rituals; it can be cultivated through prayer in the moment, gratitude, and intentional presence. Key takeaways include the importance of personal spiritual health before seeking relational change, the power of one spouse modeling spiritual discipline without pressure, and the value of using ordinary moments—like date nights or bedtime chats—as opportunities for spiritual connection. The episode also promotes resources like Deborah Faleta’s book *Love in Every Season* and a free counseling consultation through Focus on the Family. Ultimately, the message is one of hope: even in seasons of spiritual dryness, couples can rekindle connection through faith, patience, and small, consistent acts of devotion.
Spiritual intimacy begins with personal spiritual health—assess your own walk with God before expecting change in your marriage.
Lead spiritually without nagging: model devotion, invite your spouse gently, and trust God to work in their heart.
Spiritual connection doesn’t require formal prayer or Bible reading—find moments in daily life (like conversations or meals) to invite God in.
Even if your spouse resists spiritual engagement, continue praying for them and staying connected emotionally and spiritually.
Use resources like conversation starters and books such as *Love in Every Season* to normalize and strengthen spiritual intimacy.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Hope for Disconnected Marriages
“Your marriage can be healed. A Hope Restored Marriage Intensive from Focus on the Family can transform you and your spouse's relationship in just a few days.”
The Prevalence of Spiritual Disconnection
Aaron Smalley shares research insights revealing that 50-70% of couples seeking help feel spiritually disconnected from God and each other, highlighting the deep impact this has on marital health and emotional intimacy.
Spiritual Intimacy as a Foundation
“Spiritual intimacy doesn't just happen. It's the overflow of your heart for Christ.”
Leading with Love, Not Pressure
“If you're at a good place, take advantage of that. Invite your husband into the process. And most of the time, eventually they will follow suit.”
Practical Ways to Stay Connected
The episode concludes with creative, low-pressure strategies for maintaining spiritual connection—praying silently during conversations, expressing gratitude in moments of togetherness, and using conversation starters to foster deeper connection.
“Spiritual intimacy doesn't just happen. It's the overflow of your heart for Christ.”
“If you're at a good place, take advantage of that. Invite your husband into the process. And most of the time, eventually they will follow suit.”
“Even though we haven't formally run through a Devo or we haven't formally prayed or even if we're not going to church together, it's fighting the discouragement that Satan wants you to feel.”
Host
Guests
Greg Smalley
person
Aaron Smalley
person
Focus on the Family
organization
John Fuller
person
Hope Restored Marriage Intensive
other
Deborah Faleta
person
Love in Every Season
book
Kate
person
Satan
other
Jim Daly
person
Take Time to Talk
Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast • 12m • 3/31/2026
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Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast • 13m • 4/2/2026
Financial Unity Honors God
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Are You Facing Spiritual Warfare?
Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast • 13m • 4/16/2026
Keeping Attraction Alive
Focus on the Family Strengthening Marriage Podcast • 11m • 4/21/2026
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