November 10, 2024 — Episode #45

In the final chapter of Jerry’s book “44 Ways to Strengthen Your Marriage,” the couple explore what it truly means to say “I love you” and keep that love alive for a lifetime.

Jerry and Becky break down the four Greek words for love — eros, philia, storge, and agape — and explain why a marriage built only on eros (attraction and pleasure) struggles to survive without the deeper commitment of agape love. They share a C.S. Lewis quote from “Mere Christianity” on how quieter, committed love keeps a marriage running long after the initial spark fades, and discuss statistics showing that second and third marriages divorce at increasingly higher rates than first marriages. Becky reflects on how she and Jerry built their marriage on shared faith and open discussion of hard topics before marrying, and they close by encouraging listeners to say “I love you” to their spouse and children daily. Scripture references include Proverbs 5:19 and Philippians 1:6.

Topics discussed:

• The four Greek words for love: eros, philia, storge, agape
• C.S. Lewis’s reflection on “being in love” versus staying in love
• Divorce rate statistics across first, second, and third marriages
• Building a marriage on shared faith and open communication
• The importance of premarital conversations about career and calling
• Proverbs 5:19 and Philippians 1:6

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