Loving Well: Expectations and Agreements

Expectations are a natural part of all relationships but also when unmet they are the source of disappointment.  Should we have expectations on other people?  Won’t they just let us down?  Should we allow others to have expectations on us?  Does that give them too much control?  What is the good path of love?

Jesus had expectations put on him.  At times Jesus met other people’s expectations.  Once a man named Bartimaeus who was blind sat by the side of the road and shouted and yelled at Jesus trying to get Him to come and heal him.  Jesus stopped, heard his plea, and healed him (Mark 10:46-52).  At other times Jesus was given expectations from others and refused to comply.  Once a man asked him to help him get his share of his family inheritance.  Jesus told him "Man, who appointed me a judge or an arbiter between you (Luke 12:14)?"  Jesus knew who He was and didn’t need to meet the expectations of others for His own sake.  On the other hand, He loved others so deeply that He gave himself to care for others even when it cost Him a great deal.

This discussion looks at the topic of expectations in relationships and how to develop healthy agreements as we seek to grow in love.