what we should expect

Today in the One Year Bible, we read from 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5. Paul tells us that the wisdom of the cross will appear to be foolishness to people who don't believe.

So that's something we should expect. We shouldn't expect people who aren't Christians to believe in the resurrection. They won't. It's foolishness to them. What else should we expect? Well, we should expect them to hate us. Jesus warned us, "Don't be surprised when the world hates you." So it will happen. Expect it! What else? Well, we are told that the fruits of the Holy Spirit are love, joy, peace patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. So these are the things we followers of Jesus should be striving for, and allowing the spirit of God to increase within us.

But those who are cut off from the Spirit of God - well, we should expect them to be lacking in these things, right? That's not to say you won't find joy or kindness or love in people who don't know Jesus. But you CAN expect to find a lack of these things in those who get farther and farther from Him. So expect them to lack self control. Expect them to be harsh, not gentle. To be unfaithful. You get the idea. And if you expect this, you will be prepared when they act this way. Which will allow you to 

treat them with even more kindness, gentleness, etc. Which could possibly bring them closer to Jesus.

If you go into your encounters with non believers with this mindset, it will help you keep your calm and treat others with love.

God, thanks for showing us what to expect. Help us share Your love.