Love Encourages

Marriage has a way of altering our vision.  We go in expecting our husband to fulfill our hopes and to make us happy.  Unrealistic expectations breed disappointment and the higher your expectations are the more likely your spouse will fail you and cause you much frustration.

Divorce is nearly inevitable when people refuse to allow their spouse to be human. 

You must choose to live by encouragement rather than by expectations.

Strengthen ye the weak hands, and confirm the feeble knees. - Isaiah 35:3

Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.  Now we exhort you, brethren, warn them that are unruly, comfort the feebleminded, support the weak, be patient toward all men. - 1 Thessalonians 5:11, 14

Make a commitment to daily let go of unrealistic expectations and become your spouse's greatest encourager.  The person they're created by God to be will begin to emerge with new confidence and love for you.

Task:  Eliminate the poison of unrealistic expectations in your home.  Think of one area where your spouse has told you you're expecting too much, and tell them you're sorry for being so hard on them about it.  Promise them you'll seek to understand, and assure them of your unconditional love.