The Gift Of No Expectations In Relationships
Philippians 4:11-13
As an employer or as an employee, clearly defined expectations are necessary. These job duties drive businesses and corporations. Difficulties exist when these expectations are not written or unspoken. Our lives are full of expectations. They are often subtle demands. They can be a reflection of our needs or hopes about a person or persons.
An expectation is simply something we expect someone to do or be for us.
Some of the time these can be helpful, but most of the time
these bring us frustration, burdens and sorrow.
The question can then be asked, how can I live without having expectations of others? This can occur when we expect a lot from God, and little or nothing from everyone else. Trusting God to provide for all our needs enables us to live without expecting.
Sometimes we become confused between a goal and an expectation.
– A goal is something that a person or a group of people make for themselves to reach.
– Goals are established thru a process of communication. Expectations are often unspoken.
– An expectation and or demand are something that we place on someone else to perform or become.
– It is better to concentrate working on our own goals than expect others to live up to our expectations.
– It is best to expect the best from God alone and little or nothing from everyone else.
To believe in a person helps them to reach a goal. To expect them to do it places demands upon them and does not help them in the way that God intended.
– We can help others reach their goals but still expect little of them.
– This gives them more freedom to be themselves; people have enough trouble just being who they are.
Unfulfilled expectations are the cradle of disappointment, anger and loneliness. Pure love does not expect, but does encourage, wait, and build up others.
– Having expectations of others can point them to failure. Praying for them instead is the most powerful thing we can do.
– Pure love shows people how to grow and do and be.
– Having little or no expectations of others lets others bloom into their fullness. We accept too little and expect way too much of others.
God accepts us but does not expect us. He knows that He alone has the power to change us. Building friendship means that we accept but do not expect. When we accept someone, we can learn to treasure them. When we expect, we judge and destroy others and ourselves. Trusting God to work in their lives is the most positive approach for supporting people and providing an opportunity for change.
The Eagles Cry 