Happy Friday Saints.
Ephesians 4:2 “BE COMPLETELY HUMBLE AND GENTLE; BE PATIENT, BEARING WITH ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE.”
Do you expect perfection from those around you? Do you have standards that are so high that even you can’t meet them yourself? Are you often disappointed by your friends and family because they don’t fulfil your unrealistic expectations?
Instead of being COMPLETELY HUMBLE AND GENTLE, you may come across to your friends and family as judgmental, complicated, and demanding.
Some of you need to hear this – NOBODY IS PERFECT. And placing unrealistic expectations on your friends and family isn’t just unfair; it’s often hypocritical. Why? Because nobody is perfect – not even you.
Today’s passage tells us to BE PATIENT with others. Which means what? They’re going to make mistakes, they’re going to mess up, they’re going to let you down, and they’re occasionally going to disappoint you. That’s a part of life, and it comes with being human.
We are supposed to BEAR WITH ONE ANOTHER IN LOVE. The New Living Translation says, “MAKING ALLOWANCE FOR EACH OTHER’S FAULTS BECAUSE OF YOUR LOVE.”
When we demand nothing less than perfection from our friends and family, our unrealistic expectations push them away because they will NEVER feel good enough.
Instead of bearing their burdens and making an allowance for their faults, we place a heavier burden on them that severely limits their potential.
So our unrealistic expectations end up doing the complete opposite of what we hope to achieve.
I’m not telling you to lower your standards; I’m simply saying – EASE THE PRESSURE and give them room to make mistakes, learn, and grow. Be patient. After all, they have to put up with your faults too.
If you really do love your friends and family, then be COMPLETELY HUMBLE AND GENTLE when you’re dealing with them. Being patient with them will keep you calm while you are growing together in Christ-likeness.
Have a great weekend. God bless and lots’a love,
Warren
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