Forgiveness Doesn't Wait for an Apology — with Leann Murphy

Forgiveness Doesn't Wait for an Apology — with Leann Murphy

What carries a marriage through infidelity, a cancer diagnosis, and 38 years of ordinary days in between? Leann Murphy has lived all three with her husband Mike, and she joins us to talk about what actually held their marriage together when the world told her to walk away. Our conversation is honest about the hardest season of her marriage, generous with the forgiveness she found on the other side of it, and full of the wisdom she later turned into letters for her own sons. Author of Becoming a Husband: 21 Days of Preparation for a Son of God [https://a.co/d/08bzD6nK]and Becoming a Wife: 21 Days of Preparation for a Daughter of God, [https://a.co/d/08hcQTcx] published through Focus on the Family. Married to Mike for almost 38 years, mother of two sons, and grandmother to three grandsons, Leann and Mike live in central Louisiana. Connect with Leann and read more of her writing at karenleannmurphy.com [https://karenleannmurphy.com/]. IN THIS EPISODE * A covenant, not a contract — Leann explains why believing her marriage was a covenant with God, not just a promise to Mike, is the reason she and Mike are still married at 38 years. * The season they almost didn't survive — Around year fifteen, infidelity nearly ended their marriage, and most of the counsel pointed toward separating. Leann gets honest about how they stayed. * Forgiveness that doesn't wait for repentance — A clear, biblical case for why forgiveness has to come before reconciliation — and why withholding it puts us above Christ. * Practical, biblical guidance for parents and newlyweds on shifting from parental authority to mentorship without losing the relationship. RESOURCES FROM THIS EPISODE * Becoming a Husband: 21 Days of Preparation for a Son of God by Karen Leann Murphy — Focus on the Family [https://store.focusonthefamily.com/becoming-a-husband/] | Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Husband-Days-Preparation-Son/dp/1646072057] * Becoming a Wife: 21 Days of Preparation for a Daughter of God by Karen Leann Murphy — Focus on the Family [https://store.focusonthefamily.com/becoming-a-wife/] | Amazon [https://www.amazon.com/Becoming-Wife-Days-Preparation-Daughter/dp/1646072049] * More from Leann at karenleannmurphy.com [https://karenleannmurphy.com/] * Marriage After God devotionals, prayer books, and more — shop.marriageaftergod.com [https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/] If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a couple you love and subscribe wherever you listen. Follow us on Instagram: Marriage After God [https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod] · Unveiled Wife [https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife] · Husband Revolution [https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution] Want to go deeper? Become a patron [https://marriageaftergod.com/patron] and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together. Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026

The One Thing You Can Actually Be the Greatest At — with Pastor Mark Moore

About This Episode What if there's only one thing in your entire life you could be the greatest at — and you've been neglecting it? Pastor Mark Moore has been married 40 years, pastors a giga church with 18 campuses in Phoenix, and has spent decades studying Scripture. His answer to that question is one of the most freeing things you'll hear. This conversation is honest, practical, and grounded in the Word. Meet Pastor Mark Moore Teaching Pastor at Christ's Church of the Valley in Phoenix, AZ — author of Wisdom 52, Quest 52, and Core 52, and former Bible college professor with 22 years in the classroom. Connect with Mark and find teaching videos for every chapter of his books at markmoore.org [http://markmoore.org/] — and find him on Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube under his name. In This Episode * Breaking generational cycles — Mark shares how he discovered patterns of brokenness in his family he didn't even know he'd inherited, and why changing that pattern is the greatest achievement of his life. * The thing that kept their marriage together — After 40 years, it wasn't what you might expect. Mark gets honest about the blind spots he carried for decades and what finally brought them to light. * Social media as a modern idol — Practical, no-nonsense rules for protecting your marriage and your kids from the damage of devices and the algorithms designed to exploit you. * The silent killer of great marriages — Proverbs has more to say about this than almost any other topic. Mark connects it directly to why so many promising marriages plateau or fall apart. * Truth in a postmodern world — A brilliant illustration that reframes how we understand truth — not as a proposition, but as a Person. Resources from This Episode * Wisdom 52 by Mark Moore — wisdom52.org [https://wisdom52.org/] | available on Amazon [https://a.co/d/04FGU2IF] * Quest 52 [https://a.co/d/02npK20g] and Core 52 [https://a.co/d/09Kl1uXZ] * Teaching videos for every chapter at markmoore.org [http://markmoore.org/] * Marriage After God devotionals, prayer books, and more — shop.marriageaftergod.com [https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/] If this conversation encouraged you, share it with a couple you love and subscribe wherever you listen. Follow us on Instagram: Marriage After God [https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod] · Unveiled Wife [https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife] · Husband Revolution [https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution] Want to go deeper? Become a patron [https://marriageaftergod.com/patron] and help us keep creating resources for marriages that pursue God together. Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026

28 Marriage Devotional: What Intimacy Really Means

In this week’s episode of the Marriage After God podcast, Aaron and Jennifer Smith continue their 30-week marriage devotional series by discussing the role of intimacy in marriage. While many people immediately think of physical intimacy when they hear the word intimacy, Aaron and Jennifer explain that God designed marriage to include physical, emotional, and spiritual intimacy. They share how intimacy reflects God’s relational nature, why vulnerability is essential for connection, and how couples can intentionally cultivate deeper unity in every area of their marriage.  KEY TAKEAWAYS * Intimacy is more than sex, but physical intimacy is an important and God-designed part of marriage. * Humans are created in the image of a relational God and are designed for deep connection. * Marriage is the only earthly relationship where every level of intimacy is meant to be experienced. * Physical intimacy builds unity, trust, comfort, and connection between husband and wife. * Emotional intimacy grows through vulnerability, communication, empathy, and attentive listening. * Spiritual intimacy is cultivated through prayer, worship, Scripture, and pursuing God together. * True intimacy begins with a relationship with God, not with our spouse. * Vulnerability is necessary for building trust and deeper connection in marriage. * Couples should not allow distractions, bitterness, exhaustion, or unresolved conflict to hinder intimacy. * Both spouses should take responsibility for initiating intimacy rather than waiting for the other person. * Obedience to God in marriage is not contingent on a spouse’s actions or responses. * Healthy intimacy requires continual investment and intentionality over time. SCRIPTURE REFERENCES DISCUSSED * Genesis 1–2 * Genesis 2:24 * 1 Corinthians 7:3–5 * 1 John 4:7–8 * Ephesians 5:25–26 If you’ve been encouraged by this series, please share it with a friend or another married couple! * Like and subscribe to catch the remaining episodes. * Join in on our devotional series and get your copies of Husband After God [https://a.co/d/hi4epJp] and Wife After God [https://a.co/d/8A15f2S] Follow Marriage After God: * Instagram: Marriage After God [https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod] * Instagram: Unveiled Wife [https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife]  * Instagram: Husband Revolution [https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution]  Support this podcast: * Shop Marriage After God [https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/]   [https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/] * Become a patron [https://marriageaftergod.com/patron] Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026

27 Marriage Devotional: 5 Ways to Abide in Christ Together

In this week’s episode of the Marriage After God podcast, Aaron and Jennifer Smith continue their 30-week marriage devotional series by exploring what it means to truly abide in Christ. After discussing hiding from God in the previous episode, this conversation shifts toward the beauty of intimacy with God—remaining close to Him, drawing strength from Him, and allowing His Spirit to transform our lives and marriages.  Key Takeaways * Abiding in Christ means remaining close to Him and drawing life from Him. * God’s Word nourishes, strengthens, and transforms our hearts and marriages. * Prayer cultivates intimacy and communion with God. * The Holy Spirit empowers believers to walk in obedience and love. * Loving others is evidence of abiding in Christ. * Healthy marriages overflow from healthy relationships with God. * Parents are called to faithfully teach their children God’s Word and ways. * Sanctification involves surrender, repentance, and trusting God’s pruning process. Scripture references discussed * John 15:1–12 * Psalm 119:1–8 * Matthew 6:19–21 * Luke 6:43–45 * Proverbs 22:6 * Matthew 7:7–8 * Hebrews 11:6 * Hebrews 12:1–2 * Acts 1:8 * Galatians 5:16–18 * 2 Peter 1:3 * Romans 8:10–17 If you’ve been encouraged by this series, please share it with a friend or another married couple! * Like and subscribe to catch the remaining episodes. * Join in on our devotional series and get your copies of Husband After God [https://a.co/d/hi4epJp] and Wife After God [https://a.co/d/8A15f2S] Follow Marriage After God: * Instagram: Marriage After God [https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod] * Instagram: Unveiled Wife [https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife]  * Instagram: Husband Revolution [https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution]  Support this podcast: * Shop Marriage After God [https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/]   [https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/] * Become a patron [https://marriageaftergod.com/patron] Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026

26 Marriage Devotional: Why We Hide from God and How to Return to Restoration

In week 26 of the Marriage After God devotional series, Aaron and Jennifer tackle the hard truth: we all sin, and the natural impulse is to hide. This episode unpacks what it means to acknowledge sin, respond with repentance, and pursue restoration in marriage and faith. Drawing from Scripture (James 4:17; Romans 14:23; Genesis 3:6–11; Ephesians 5), they discuss the roots of hiding, the pull of shame, and the life-giving path of confession, accountability, and walking in the Spirit. Key Takeaways * Sin is universal: we all fall short and the Bible teaches a clear standard for sin. * Hiding vs. repentance: the natural instinct to hide is common, but God calls us toward repentance and reconciliation. * Practical response: acknowledge sin, repent humbly, seek restoration with your spouse, and rely on the Holy Spirit rather than self-justification. * Genesis 3 reminder: Adam and Eve hid after sin, but God pursued them and restoration began with honest confession. * Guardrails for marriage: use accountability, grace, and ongoing conversation to safeguard your relationship from repeated sin. Scripture references discussed * James 4:17 * Romans 14:23b * Genesis 3:6–11 * Ephesians 5 (context for how we love and walk with each other) Who this episode is for * Married couples navigating temptation, sin, and relational tension. * Believers seeking practical steps to confess, repent, and restore intimacy with God and spouse. * Listeners wanting a biblically grounded framework for handling sin in marriage. If you’ve been encouraged by this series, share it with a friend or another married couple. * Like and subscribe to catch the remaining episodes. * Join in on our devotional series and get your copies of Husband After God [https://a.co/d/hi4epJp] and Wife After God [https://a.co/d/8A15f2S] Follow Marriage After God: * Instagram: Marriage After God [https://www.instagram.com/marriageaftergod] * Instagram: Unveiled Wife [https://www.instagram.com/unveiledwife]  * Instagram: Husband Revolution [https://www.instagram.com/husbandrevolution]  Support this podcast: * Shop Marriage After God [https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/]   [https://shop.marriageaftergod.com/] * Become a patron [https://marriageaftergod.com/patron] Smith Family Resources, Inc © 2026