Some encouragement, I hope

I recently, inadvertently, came across some information about a person I have had a professional relationship with in the past.  I didn't know them on a personal level, but what I did know of this person was that they were kind, soft spoken, compassionate, professional and very good at what they do.  So when I came across this information, on the Internet of all places, I was very surprised.  This person had an affair that ended up causing very severe, very public consequences.  I was shocked by the story and what happened, but mostly I was shocked that this person would even have an affair.

The next day I received an email from Family Life.  (We get about one a week.  Little tid bits to encourage.)  The one titled "Does Your Husband Need Encouragement?" caught my eye, so I read it.  It brought tears to my eyes because it reminded me that an affair can happen to anyone at anytime.  I know it's a scary thought and most people don't want to talk about it or think about it.  But it happens, people, and we need to be on alert.  Satan prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour (1 Peter 5:8).  He knows our weaknesses and is ready to exploit them.

I do not bring up this subject to be a downer or to gossip about some one.  I bring this up as a reminder to myself.  Adultery can affect any marriage and husbands and wives need to realize that.   We need to encourage one another, love one another, respect each other, listen to each other, help each other and pray for each other.  I hope you read the article linked above and are encouraged to be an encourager to you husband or wife.  That you will be on the look out for Satan.  And that you will take a risk and give your marriage to God and trust Him to make you the husband or wife your spouse needs you to be.

However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband.

Ephesians 5:33