It can be easy for a couple to slip into the mindset of their partner being there to make them happy, all the while losing focus on God's intended purpose for their relationship. What are some ways to re-focus this mindset and instill the biblical truth that marriage primarily is a means of glorifying God? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff sit down with Bryan Loritts, lead pastor of Abundant Life Church in Silicon Valley to explore this topic based on Pastor Loritt's new book, "Saving The Saved: How Jesus Saves Us from Try-Harder Christianity into Performance-Free Love."

In today's blog, Dr. Chris Grace explores the dynamic of understanding each other's emotional state so we can foster a relationship that thrives.

"My wife and I have been married for 10 years, and we have two children ages four and six. I have to admit that with kids, work, family commitments, and other responsibilities on our plate, sometimes things just get stale, and we are super tired. What if you realize that you no longer feel the same way towards your spouse that you once did? How can we bring back the fun, friendship and passion in our marriage during this busy season of life?"

We know life was never meant to be a holy hustle, but often times it can be easy for Christians to slip into a white-knuckling mentality to try and earn God's love. If this try-harder attitude inevitably taints our relationship with God, what are some practical ways to rely on God's grace instead of our performance? In today's podcast, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff sit down with Bryan Loritts, lead pastor of Abundant Life Church in Silicon Valley, to discuss his newly released book on this very topic, "Saving The Saved: How Jesus Saves Us from Try-Harder Christianity into Performance-Free Love."

Many working components contribute to a healthy relationship, yet the emotional side of love can be confusing. In today's episode, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff sit down with Dr. Gary Chapman, author of the best-selling book, The Five Love Languages, and discuss practical ways to communicate love on an emotional level so our relationships can flourish.

"My roommate struggles with depression, and she is often discouraged about the things going on in her life. I am thankful that I can be her friend; it seems like not many others know or understand what she's going through. What do I do?"

Did you know that research shows listening is the most important communication skill for interpersonal relationships and establishing a career? Yet in our fast-paced, high-tech world, it can be a challenge to listen well. In part 2 of this series, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff continue their discussion on the importance of listening and explore practical ways of setting aside time to listen to one another.

"My husband has a low sex drive and it makes me feel very unwanted. Do you have any advice?"

Research shows listening is the most important communication skill for interpersonal relationships and establishing a career. Yet in our fast-paced, high-tech world, it can be a challenge to listen well. In part 1 of this series, Dr. Chris Grace and Dr. Tim Muehlhoff identify common obstacles that prevent us from listening well.

"You’ve talked about lowering our expectations for marriage, meaning don’t have unrealistic, over-the-top expectations that our relationship or our spouse can never meet. In regards then to lowering our expectations, is it appropriate to set marriage goals like 1) not fighting over money, 2) not yelling, 3) being an active listener, or 4) having more sex? Is it realistic to set a goal such as not yelling so much? What do you think?"