Does God Really Hate Divorce? with Leslie Vernick
Beauty in the Brokenness Episode 133
“Loving him would be saying, ‘Hey, you can’t do that to me anymore.’”
— Leslie Vernick
Get ready for an episode that may challenge everything you’ve ever heard about Christian marriage. Today I sit down with speaker, author, counselor, and relationship coach, Leslie Vernick to talk about recognizing destructive relationships and practical steps for those navigating them. Leslie speaks with honesty, compassion, and candor. What I love most is her commitment to biblical authority and the heart of God toward women. This is one of those “don’t-miss” episodes!
Watch this episode on YouTube.
We Discuss:
Why you might be feeling crazy, confused, or stuck—and how to finally put words to what’s happening in your marriage
The critical difference between normal marriage struggles and a destructive relationship
What it really means to be a biblical wife—and why being a helpmate is not the same as being an enabler
Practical first steps you can take today if you’re in a difficult marriage
Why setting boundaries isn’t unbiblical—it might be the most loving thing you can do for yourself and your husband
Leslie Vernick is a popular speaker, author, counselor and relationship coach. She is the author of multiple books, including the best-selling, The Emotionally Destructive Relationship and her most recent, The Emotionally Destructive Marriage.
In 2013, she received the American Association of Christian Counselors Caregiver Award. Leslie’s heart is to equip and empower people to grow strong and be brave so that they can become all God calls them to become. She’s been married to Howard for 50 years and together they have two grown children and three grandchildren.
Connect with Leslie:
Website leslievernick.com
Podcast: https://leslievernick.podbean.com/
Leslie is the author of thirteen books, each one filled with wisdom, truth, and empowerment to help women develop healthy, strong relationships. You can find her books here.
Join Leslie Vernick’s Conquer Membership:
If you find yourself in a destructive marriage, Leslie’s Conquer Membership will be a place for you to find Biblical truth, emotional support and practical steps for your journey. Learn more about this powerful ministry here.
Attend the Hope Restored Trauma Healing Intensive:
If you have experienced trauma in any area of life and are looking for a sacred space for deep healing, renewal, and connection, consider attending the Hope Restored Trauma Healing Intensive.
This three-day, small-group experience is designed for women who are ready to take a deeper step in their healing journey.
Guided by licensed therapists Brenda Stewart and Ann Simmons, and myself, you’ll experience a safe and sacred environment to process your story and encounter the God who rescues, redeems, and restores all that is broken in our lives.
Through a meaningful blend of group therapy, expressive arts, guided reflection, and intentional rest, each part of the weekend helps you release your burdens and make space for peace, hope, and restoration.
No matter where you are on your healing journey, there is hope. Healing is possible, and you don’t have to walk this road alone.
Share this Episode with a Friend:
If you know a woman who could benefit from Leslie’s ministry, or our trauma intensive, please forward this email to them. You could be the one to help her take an important step toward healing.
I’m so glad you are here, friend! Thank you for caring about important things like Biblical truth and the hearts of women. You are a warrior!
♥️ Teresa
The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.
Numbers 6:24-26 (NIV)











This is such an important conversation. So many women sit in destructive marriages believing endurance is “holiness,” when in reality, God never designed marriage to be a place where one person is diminished. I appreciate how clearly Leslie names the difference between normal struggle and destructive behavior — and how she reframes boundaries as both biblical and loving. This episode will give so many women language for what they’ve been silently carrying.