Perhaps the greatest threat to a healthy marriage relationship is temptation. Temptation is like a relational parasite. A parasite sucks the life of whatever it’s attached to. In the same way, relational parasites diminish the quality of our connection with each other.

For example, these parasites come in many different forms such as addictive behaviors like alcoholism, sexual addictions, workaholism or addictions to gambling or drugs. We need to do whatever it takes to say no to unhealthy parasites like these examples. Men may need close friends that they can turn to for help. Women need each other. As a church, we encourage everyone to find a neighborhood small group for frienship, spiritual connection and also accountability with each other - especially men with men and women with women. We need to create safe places where people can be real about whatever is going on in their lives. That may happen in a small group or in one-to-one relationships. Temptation seems to take root when we isolate. If we feel alone it’s harder to say no to the unhealthy things and yes to the healthy things (Galatians 6:1-4).