The Hidden Trap Behind Perfectionism in Marriage

Is perfectionism secretly sabotaging your relationship?

In this episode, Brad Rhoads sits down with therapist and pastor Nathan Thompson from Southeast Christian Church to uncover how performance-driven living spills into marriage, fueling criticism, defensiveness, and stress. 

Together, they explore why grace is the antidote and what it really means to live in Jesus’ easy yoke. You’ll walk away with fresh hope, practical tools, and a new vision for grace-filled love.

👉 Subscribe, share this episode with a friend, leave a review, and visit gracemarriage.com to grow deeper in your own marriage.

🔑 KEY IDEAS:
• How perfectionism in yourself leads to nitpicking your spouse
• Breaking free from Gottman’s “Four Horsemen” of marital breakdown
• The freedom of “You’re not okay—and it’s okay”
• Why grace, not guilt, is the key to real change in marriage
• How grace lowers stress when life feels overwhelming
• Shifting from self-effort to resting in God’s care

KEY VERSES:
📖  Matthew 11:28–30 – “Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
📖  Hebrews 4:9–10 – “So then, there remains a Sabbath rest for the people of God, for whoever has entered God’s rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.”
📖  Galatians 6:2 – “Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
📖  Galatians 5:22–23 – “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control…”

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