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When Pride Gets in the Way: Learning to Love Without Ego

In this week’s episode of The Abundantly Expectant Marriage, Rachel and Ron continue their series on 1 Corinthians 13 with a conversation around the next characteristic of biblical love: Love is not proud. Whether pride shows up in subtle ways—like refusing to admit you're wrong—or loud ones—like needing to win every argument, it has the power to divide and destroy intimacy. The good news? God gives us the tools to trade pride for humility, and ego for unity. With personal stories, practical advice, and scriptural truth, this episode will challenge you to take an honest look at your heart and choose the better way in marriage.

Scripture References:

• 1 Corinthians 13:4-7 - “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance.”
• Proverbs 16:18 - “Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall.”
• Romans 12:3 TPT - “God has given me grace to speak a warning about pride. I would ask each of you to be emptied of self-promotion and not create a false image of your importance. Instead, honestly assess your worth by using your God-given faith as the standard of measurement, and then you will see your true value with an appropriate self-esteem.”
• Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 - “Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed.”
• Psalm 25:9 - “He leads the humble in doing right, teaching them his way.”
• James 1:19: “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry.”
• 1 Peter 4:8 - “Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins.”

Remember: Marriage takes intentionality, and small actions lead to big changes! Keep God at the center, and watch your love grow deeper than ever before.

Resource List:

Here are some excellent Christian marriage books that you can recommend to your listeners, complete with links for purchase:

• Renewed Legacy: A 30-Day Journey to Save Your Marriage and Become a Spiritual Leader: By Ron Cool
  • This journal and study plan have been crafted with a deep sense of purpose, a heartfelt dedication, and a commitment to transformation. It's a journey that goes beyond the words on these pages; it's a journey to renew and reclaim your legacy.
• The 5 Love Languages: The Secret to Love That Lasts by Gary Chapman
  • This bestseller focuses on understanding and expressing love through five key "languages" to strengthen emotional connections in marriage.
• Sacred Marriage: What If God Designed Marriage to Make Us Holy More Than to Make Us Happy? by Gary Thomas
  • This thought-provoking book emphasizes how marriage can help individuals grow closer to God while growing together as a couple.
• Love and Respect: The Love She Most Desires; The Respect He Desperately Needs by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs
  • Based on biblical principles, this book explores the dynamics of love and respect in building a thriving marriage.
• For Women Only / For Men Only Series by Shaunti and Jeff Feldhahn
  • This series offers gender-specific insights into the needs and perspectives of spouses, helping couples understand each other better.
• You and Me Forever: Marriage in Light of Eternity by Francis and Lisa Chan
  • This book challenges couples to see marriage as a way to glorify God and focus on eternal perspectives.

You Connect with Us:

• Website: aemarriage.com 
• Get Invloved - SUPPORT AEM 
• Follow AEM on Instagram: AEM on Instagram

Connect with Ron Cool:

• Website: www.newpathnewyou.com
• Follow Ron on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rcooljr/

Connect with Rachel Cool:

• Website: www.rachelmcool.com
• Follow Rachel on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rachelmcool/

Links to Focus On The Family: 

• Website: www.focusonthefamily.com
• Dr. Danny Huerta's Book: 7 Traits of Effective Parenting by Dr. Danny Huerta (VP of Parenting & Youth)