What does it mean to be united to Christ—and how does that shape the way we relate to others? In this episode, Gunner Gundersen, Esther Liu, and Darby Strickland explore the doctrine of union with Christ and its deeply practical impact on everyday relationships. If our truest relationship is already secure in Jesus, how might that free us to love others differently? Together, they discuss how union with Christ

• grounds us in unshakable security,
• frees us from defensiveness,
• gives courage to apologize and forgive,
• reorients transactional views of relationships, and
• helps us make sense of church hurt.

Because we are united to Christ, we are also united to one another. That shared belonging reshapes how we approach conflict, difference, and even the pain of broken community. Join us as we consider what it looks like to live life together in Christ.

• Community: A Struggle to Fit | Blog by Darby Strickland
• "How can I avoid the temptation to isolate myself in suffering?" | Video by Cecelia Bernhardt
• Make Every Effort: Paul Urges Unity in the Church | Conference Session by Aaron Sironi

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the often overlooked issue of stagnant marriages, exploring the subtle signs of disconnection and the importance of intentionality and spiritual friendship in marriage. They emphasize the need for curiosity and community support, as well as the difference between a covenant and a contract in marriage. They highlight practical steps couples can take to revitalize their relationships, including small gestures of love. Mentioned in this episode: If you've been encouraged by our podcast this year, would you consider giving a gift to CCEF today? Your support would go to immediate use today to help equip the global church for thoughtful, biblical conversations about matters of the heart.

• How can I avoid growing apart from my spouse in a season of suffering and grief? | Video by Aaron Sironi
• What Has Been Most Helpful in Your Marriage? | Blog post by Ed Welch
• Sexual Intimacy in Marriage: A Joint Trust | Blog post by Aaron Sironi

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the complex nature of lingering grief, exploring how it manifests in various ways. They share personal stories and insights on how grief can resurface during life milestones. They emphasize the importance of community support in navigating grief, as well as the need for patience and understanding in the grieving process. Ultimately, listeners will be reminded of God's presence and care during times of grief.

• Am I Doing This Right? What Lamentations Teaches Us about Grieving | Journal article by Todd Stryd
• Someone I Know Is Grieving | Book by Ed Welch
• Helping Your Family Grieve | Minibook by Darby Strickland
• When We Hurt Those Who Are Hurting | Blog post by Ed Welch
• How can I care well for someone who is grieving? | Video by Ed Welch

In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the topic of life transitions, sharing personal stories and insights on common struggles, temptations, and opportunities that arise during these changes. They discuss the importance of recognizing God's presence and providence through both big and small changes, and they share some encouragements they've found in Scripture. Mentioned in this episode: We're excited about the recent release of a handful of books from CCEF faculty:

• When It's Trauma: A Biblical Guide to Understanding Trauma & Walking Faithfully with Sufferers | Book by Darby Strickland
• A Big Change Happened: Helping Children Through Upheaval | Children's book by Darby Strickland
• Helping Your Children with Change: Holding Fast to God During Upheaval | Minibook by Darby Strickland
• Take Heart for Teens: Daily Devotions to Deepen Your Faith | Book by David Powlison

In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the profound doctrine of adoption into God's family, discussing its theological significance and personal implications. Our hosts reflect on their own experiences and the relational significance of understanding God as a loving Father. They discuss how we often struggle with an orphan mentality, emphasizing the importance of recognizing one's identity as a beloved child of God. Finally, they highlight the future inheritance that comes with being adopted into God's family. Mentioned in this episode: The audio from our 2025 National Conference is available for purchase! All 27 sessions included. Learn more at ccef.org/2025.

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the importance of self-examination. They explore how self-examination is not merely a self-focused endeavor but a process that involves God and others. The conversation highlights the benefits of self-examination, including personal growth, awareness of one's weaknesses, and the recognition of God's grace. They also address common pitfalls, such as self-shaming and misguided approaches, and emphasize the need to also look for the good as part of the biblical self-examination process. Mentioned in this episode: Registration for courses is now open for the January 2026 term! This term we'll be offering Helping Relationships with Ed Welch, Scripture for Life & Ministry with Aaron Sironi, and Counseling in the Local Church with Michael Gembola. If you're looking for an opportunity for personal growth along with training to better serve those around you, we want to invite you to join us. You can learn more at ccef.org/school.

In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the multifaceted nature of patience. From personal anecdotes to biblical insights, listen as they delve into why patience is challenging, how it can lead to profound personal growth, and practical ways to develop patience in challenging situations. They discuss how patience shapes our relationships, our understanding of God's timing, and our ability to trust in his plans. Mentioned in this episode: We're just a couple weeks out from the 2025 CCEF National Conference! We'll be taking a look at the life and ministry of the apostle Paul to see how we can grow in our care for one another. Registration closes after September 29, so register soon! We hope you'll join us this October 3–5, whether virtually or in-person in Hershey, PA. To learn more and register, visit ccef.org/2025. Related resource:

• A Small Book about a Big Problem: Meditations on Anger, Patience and Peace | Book by Ed Welch

In this episode, CCEF faculty discuss the complexity of forgiveness. They address common misconceptions, the true meaning of forgiveness, the challenges we all face, and how to cultivate a forgiving spirit. They also emphasize the importance of understanding forgiveness as Christians, highlighting the balance between justice and mercy. Mentioned in this episode: Our ministry is fueled by the generous support of our donors. If this podcast has been an encouragement to you, would you consider giving to CCEF today? Your gift would help us continue to produce free resources like this for the good of God's people. You can learn more about ways to give at ccef.org/donate. Related resources:

• Is It Sinful to Keep a Record of Wrongs? | Blog post by Darby Strickland
• The World's Best Epilogue—Ever | Blog post by Ed Welch

In this episode, CCEF faculty explore the topic of cultivating gratitude as a Christian. They discuss practical ways to foster gratitude in daily life, the challenges posed by a discontented culture, and the importance of perspective. They emphasize the coexistence of gratitude and sorrow, the transformative power of gratitude, and the need for humility in recognizing God's gifts. Mentioned in this episode: The price increases for our conference after August 4, so register soon! Learn more at ccef.org/2025. Related resources:

• Stretching Joy: 10 Ways to Notice God's Everyday Mercies | Blog post by Mike Emlet
• Jonah's Psalm of Thanksgiving | Blog post by Ed Welch

Chapters:00:00 Introduction and Conference Announcement01:25 Fostering Gratitude in Daily Life 14:16 Why Gratitude Is Difficult 19:00 Honest Gratitude Amid Sorrow 27:54 What Gratitude Cultivates in Us 34:02 The Alphabet Game: Reflecting on Gratitude

In this episode, Gunner Gundersen, Darby Strickland, and Esther Liu discuss the process of progressive sanctification. They explore its meaning and implications, and how it plays out in the lives of believers. How does our union and relationship with Christ serve as the foundation for our sanctification? How does growing in our understanding of this help us become more like Jesus? While sanctification can be a messy process, there is hope and encouragement in recognizing that our growth in Christ is a journey, not a destination, and that God is committed to us throughout this process. Mentioned in this episode: Enter our giveaway for a set of notebooks, a tote bag, and a bundle of books on the topic of sanctification. Three winners will be chosen on July 25. Enter at ccef.org/giveaway. Related resources:

• How Does Sanctification Work? | Book by David Powlison
• Saints, Sufferers, and Sinners: Loving Others as God Loves Us | Book by Mike Emlet
• Real Change: Becoming More Like Jesus in Everyday Life | Book by Andrew Nicholls and Helen Thorne
• I'm discouraged by my persistent struggle with sin. How do I find hope? | Video by Lauren Whitman
• Why Do You Think You Can Do Better? | Blog post by Esther Liu