CHECK YOUR EXPECTATIONS

Thoughts for Today
Sometimes we expect too much from others-and ourselves. Then we become angry when our expectations are not met.

Be realistic in your expectations of others and of yourself. One of the quickest ways to overcome hurt and anger, even prevent it, is to adjust your expectations. Jesus told us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Today's scripture describes God's kind of love. Kind. Patient. Never selfish or quick tempered.

God's Word also makes it clear that no one is perfect. Jesus, the perfect Lamb of God, walked the earth to live and then to die for our sins. When we come to him, we are forgiven. But as long as we are on this earth, we will struggle with our own fleshly desires. And sometimes we will temporarily lose the struggle. But God extends us his unconditional love and grace to us, and we need to extend that same love and grace to others.

Consider this ...
Take time to check your expectations of others and yourself. Are they appropriate and realistic? List those things that upset you, irritate you. Look at the list. Are the needs and expectations legitimate? Be honest. Deal with those that are unrealistic; otherwise, you will continue to become angry over them.