What does the Bible say about expectations? I am a person that expects for people to be like me, to be giving, kind, loving, and supportive. When they don't do these things, I am hurt or disappointed. I need to know what the Bible says about this.
Answer
The Bible gives a number of examples of people whose expectations were not met. (See Isaiah 20:5-6; Zechariah 9:5; John 3:15-16.) The Proverbs talk about how the wicked will not have their expectations met. (Proverbs 10:28; 11:7, 23)
When dealing with people it is unreasonable to expect only the best. People disappoint because people are not perfect. There is nothing wrong in expecting the best from people, as long as you are prepared for the worst. Sometimes it is only when someone expects the best, and make that known, that some people give them their best. At other times it prompts wicked people to do their worst.
“All things whatsoever ye would that men should do to you, do ye even so to them.” (Matthew 7:12) I don’t think this means you should always expect the best. What it does mean is that you should always give the best, even if your expectations are disappointed.