EXPEDITION MARRIAGE:  Leaving and Cleaving - What it Really Means and Why it Still Matters in Marriage

Chris and Jamie Bailey

EXPEDITION MARRIAGE:  Leaving and Cleaving - What it Really Means and Why it Still Matters in Marriage

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THE EXPEDITION MARRIAGE PODCAST

WITH HOSTS CHRIS AND JAMIE BAILEY

AUDIO PODCAST

You’ve probably heard the phrase “leave and cleave” at some point—maybe in premarital counseling or during your wedding ceremony—but what does it actually mean in everyday married life?

In this episode, we unpack the biblical command to leave and cleave (Genesis 2:24) and explore how it goes far beyond the honeymoon stage. Whether you’ve been married one year or twenty, failing to fully “leave” and properly “cleave” can lead to emotional disconnection, blurred boundaries with parents, and lingering tension in your home.

We’re diving into:

✅ What leaving and cleaving actually means (spoiler: it’s not just about moving out!)
💡 How unresolved parent ties can affect your marriage for years
🔒 Why setting healthy boundaries with in-laws is not dishonoring
❤️ How to strengthen your unity as a couple and stand together as one

You’ll also hear practical examples, biblical wisdom, and simple steps to evaluate your own marriage in this area.

💬 Big Takeaway: Leaving and cleaving isn’t a one-time decision—it’s a lifelong practice of choosing your spouse above all others, and building a united front together.

📥 Don’t Forget to Grab the Free Resource! Download the Leaving & Cleaving Listener Reflection Guide—a helpful tool to assess your current boundaries, strengthen your unity as a couple, and create healthier in-law dynamics.

👉 Get the free guide in the show notes or at https://expeditionmarriage.org/podcast/ep-146-leaving-and-cleaving-what-it-really-means-and-why-it-still-matters-in-marriage

🎧 Listen & Subscribe:

Don’t forget to follow the show so you never miss an episode—and if today’s conversation encouraged you, please leave a quick review!

Links mentioned on the show:

Not Your Average Man (NYAM) PODCAST https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/not-your-average-man/id1640507187

30-Day Praying for your Husband https://expeditionmarriage.org/30-day-praying-for-your-husband-challenge/

30-Day Praying for your Wife https://expeditionmarriage.org/30-day-praying-for-your-wife-challenge/

Newlywed Couples Devotional https://expeditionmarriage.org/newlywed-couples-devotional/

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About the Author

Chris and Jamie Bailey are professional Christian counselors and marriage coaches. They run their private practice as well as online ministry, Expedition Marriage, from their home in Fort Mill, SC. They are the parents of three adult daughters and two adorable grandchildren. Together they run weekend marriage retreats, offer guest speaking, one day seminars, as well as run workshops in person and online. Together they hope to encourage Christian marriages and help them thrive abundantly.

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