Encouragement

Well, I have been continuing to read the Love Dare book. Also I go to a church meeting on Tuesday evenings and the topic was encouragement last night. Then when I got home and read the Love Dare the topic in the book was "Love Encourages".
We all need encouragement. I believe that God put us here on the earth to help each other out and live for Him. It is much easier of a journey for us when we can do it Together. I appreciate everyone in my life and the encouragement they give to me.
The book had some interesting points. Remember that this is for marriage more than friendship, but I think we can take from this book for our marriage and friendships. Here are a few things I took from this chapter...
"We go into marriage expecting our mate to fulfill our hopes and to make us happy. But this is an impossible order for our spouse to fill. The higher your expectations, the more likely your spouse will fail you and cause you frustration." I realized that my expectations for people are too high sometimes, especially for my hubby. I am working on this...
Then the book goes on to say "You must choose to live my encouragement rather than by expectations..... (marriage) is a unique friendship designed by God himself where 2 people live together in flawed imperfection but deal with it by encouraging each other, not discouraging....The bible says to Encourage the exhausted, and strengthen the feeble (Is 35:3) and Encourage one another and build up one another... Encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with everyone (1 Thes. f:11, 14)"
This really hits home with me.. I hope it helps you too. :)