Nancy and I are back together to discuss a topic that frequently shows up in our inbox: one-sided marriages. These are spouses who reach out because, even in the midst of disconnect and hurt, they still desire a healthy, God-honoring marriage, but feel like they’re the only one who cares or the only one willing to put in the work. How do you reconcile and reconnect? That’s the focus of our conversation today. I’m praying this episode encourages those who feel alone and offers hope and next steps for fighting for your marriage.

 

Episode Highlights:

Love like Christ without enabling.

Communicate with curiosity, not accusation.

Persevere in prayer and faithful action.

Seek God’s glory above all else

 

Quotes from Today’s Episode:

Fighting for your marriage as a Christian means pursuing Christ-like love even when it's not reciprocated

This isn't about becoming a doormat or enabling destructive behavior, but rather embodying the gospel in your relationship.

Approach with curiosity rather than accusation: "I've noticed you seem really tired lately. How can I support you?"

 Continue showing love through actions without demanding emotional reciprocation.

Don't take the bait to defend yourself constantly or prove your spouse wrong—this keeps you stuck in an unhealthy cycle.

But remember, you can't force insight or repentance—that's between them and God.

Humility doesn't mean accepting mistreatment or pretending everything is fine.

Your humble confidence in who God created you to be can actually challenge your spouse to rise up rather than settle.

Standing in the gap means interceding in prayer, maintaining hope when your spouse has lost it, and continuing to live out your marriage vows even when they're not.

The goal is always God's glory and following His heart, which deeply desires reconciliation. 

Couples’ Conversation Guide:

How connected do you feel to your spouse on a scale of 1-10?

Do you feel like you are trying to shoulder the burden of your marriage alone?

Are there unhealthy patterns in your marriage that need to be addressed? 

Are there areas of your marriage that you’ve settled for mediocrity or disconnect? 

 

Mentioned in this Episode:

• Find Awesome Marriage on Instagram!

• Money issues don’t have to be an issue for your marriage. Check out this free course from Centsei. 4 Budgeting Mistakes Couples Make + How To Fix Them FREE Class 💸 

• Want an opportunity to dig into God’s Word with your spouse? Find Awesome Marriage on YouVersion. Need some encouragement to keep fighting for your marriage? You’ll love this FREE YouVersion plan: Fighting for Your Marriage

• If you haven’t browsed our site, you’ve GOT to check out the marriage resources we have over at AwesomeMarriage.com, and browse our online courses at AwesomeMarriageUniversity.com ! 

• Sign up for Dr. Kim’s Marriage Multiplier email for practical weekly marriage tips!

• Now is the perfect time to join our Marriage Changers program. Enjoy every resource of the month plus bonus content from Dr. Kim and Mrs. Nancy. Join now, just in time to receive our 28 Fill in the Blank Thank You Note Prompts