Expectations.

Last night as I was reading, I came across a section of scripture that just made me think about our lives. Recently I've been in a few discussions about why we, as a nation, think we DESERVE things. It's been a conversation that's lasted a few days. Different events have occurred each day that have lead me to remember each day that I don't deserve half of what I have, it is all a blessing.

As I continue my reading through Luke, I read a scripture that covers what I have been thinking about all week long. Here it is, from Luke 6: 27-36:

²⁷"But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, ²⁸bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. ²⁹If someone strikes you on one cheek, turn to him the other also. If someone takes your cloak, do not stop him from taking your tunic. ³⁰Give to everyone who asks you, and if anyone takes what belongs to you, do not demand it back. ³¹Do to others as you would have them do to you.

³²"If you love those who love you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' love those who love them. ³³And if you do good to those who are good to you, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' do that. ³⁴And if you lend to those from whom you expect repayment, what credit is that to you? Even 'sinners' lend to 'sinners,' expecting to be repaid in full. ³⁵But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. ³⁶Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful."

I have always paid close attention to the beginning of this section- love your enemies, bless those who curse you, turn the other cheek.... It was the end of this section that really rattled my mind a little bit. Verse 35 says "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them WITHOUT expecting to get anything back." This got me thinking. How many times have I done something with the intention of getting something in return?? For me, that's where the trouble sets in. Although this scripture is written as a way to help guide us to loving our enemies, this scripture can be used in the context of your whole life!

I will be the first to admit that I have always struggled with doing things for people because I wanted them to do something for me in return. And when that wasn't reciprocated, it turned into the most horrible fight or feelings of disappointment...but they didn't know I did it to get something back. I had to start examining my true intentions. Was I doing something for someone because I genuinely wanted to love on them or was it to get a reaction or something in return? And what expectations did I have for them?

When you live in the mindset that you deserve this or that, or it's the least he or she can do for me, we tend to forget the small blessings that occur daily. We live in a world that tells us it's ok to want things, that we deserve things and that those are normal feelings to have. We honestly forget, I honestly forget, that we have everything that we need...not want. Matthew 6:8 says "Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask." Everything we have has been provided by the Lord- friends, family, food, shelter, clothes, shoes, water, work, money, etc. When you begin to live in that mindset, your expectations for people are overshadowed by your joy for what the Lord has provided. It makes a huge difference in your life when you treat others without expectations, when you genuinely care and love them because that is what we have been called to do!

Thank you for continuing to read this blog and for taking this journey with me as I prepare for what the Lord has planned! :)