Parents expect a lot from their children, teachers expect their students to perform brilliantly. In marital relationships as well, couples or intending couples give room for expectations. Let's take the family as a case study. It is expected that the husband takes up leadership authority by providing, protecting, praying for, planning, etc. It is expected of the wife that she does certain things which may include keeping the home, taking care of the children, etc.
It is expected of the children to honour, respect, and obey their parents. All these are expectations, and knowing these, it is expected that each person in the family (husband, wife, and children) is able to meet up with that which is expected of them, right?
The family is a community of persons( husband, wife, and children) just the same way the Church is a community of persons too(believers). If it is so expected that people in the family do some things, don't you think God expect believers to do some things too? The question then is, what is God's expectation of us as believers? The Scripture below states some of those things expected of us.
"And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you". (Ephesians 4:32).
Interesting to know, isn't it? The Scripture spells to believers the way we are to live and relate with ourselves or simply put, it shows that which God expects us to do. First it says and be ye kind one to another ( which implies that in our relationship with one another, we should show to one another actions of sincere concern. Never to at any point in time treat anyone unfairly. Our actions in words and deeds should demonstrate kindness), tenderhearted ( to possess a heart that thinks no ill, and does no ill to a fellow brother or sister, gentle and ever warming).
Then it says, forgiving one another ( not to hold grudges against a fellow brother or sister, to let go and never remember errors or things done against us, and when those who offend plead, we should forgive). And finally, it tells us why we are to forgive, even as God's for Christ's sake hath forgiven you ( just the same way he forgot all you did, and made it look as though nothing happened, you should also do the same).
What fellowship we would have as believers if only we decide to live just the way God expects us to. Let us desire to live, and live just the way he expects us to. God help us. May this word dwell richly in our hearts in Christ's name. Amen.
Thoughts for Today: God expects us to be kind to one another, tenderhearted, and forgiving. Do you live up to his expectations?
Gospel Today is a comforting, exhorting, edifying and inspiring devotional published by the Delightsome Land Christian Ministry. For questions, enquiries/testimonies, please call/WhatsApp: 08174915361, 08161655758 or Email: [email protected].
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