Do you ever notice how easy it is to be offended? Some of us are passionate about how we spend our money and we have high expectations for customer service folks. Some of us are passionate about left-lane loafers and we have high expectations that they will move to the right lane. Some of us are passionate about our children and we have high expectations for others to see them as we see them. Anytime we have high expectations, we are easily offended.

I’ve always worked to lower my expectations for others because the other person’s high expectations may not be the same as mine -- and vice versa. When I say “lower” I probably mean more to “balance” than lower. I’m a military brat where high expectations were beyond high; I tend to be perfectionistic and typically have really high expectations. I have learned over the years that taking the time to RESPOND instead quickly REACTING serves everyone much better. As Galatians 5:22-23 says, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.” We must use our self-control to find the goodness in the situation and focus on that. Have the patience to put yourself in their shoes and try to see their side. Choose kindness and gentleness as a response instead of an explosive, negative reaction.

God compels us to be forgiving. Sometimes that means forgiving before being offended. If we focus on the fruit of the Spirit, a peaceful situation will come from what would have been an offensive ending. The joy of working it out will produce a love of each other and a balance in expectations that brings about peace going forward.

Blessings,

Marcia K. Gibney,
Director of Recreation Ministry