Divine Expectation refers to the standards and requirements that God sets for humanity, as revealed through Scripture. These expectations encompass moral, spiritual, and relational aspects of life, guiding believers in their walk with God and interactions with others. The concept is rooted in the understanding that God, as the Creator and Sustainer of all, has the authority to establish what is right and just.

Biblical Foundation

1. Holiness and Righteousness: God calls His people to be holy, as He is holy. In Leviticus 19:2, the Lord commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" This expectation is reiterated in the New Testament, where 1 Peter 1:15-16 states, "But just as He who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do, for it is written: 'Be holy, because I am holy.'"

2. Love and Obedience: The greatest commandments, as articulated by Jesus, emphasize love for God and neighbor. In Matthew 22:37-39, Jesus declares, "'Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.' This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: 'Love your neighbor as yourself.'" Obedience to God's commandments is a demonstration of love, as seen in John 14:15, "If you love Me, you will keep My commandments."

3. Faith and Trust: Divine Expectation includes faith in God and trust in His promises. Hebrews 11:6 underscores this, stating, "And without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who approaches Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him."

4. Justice and Mercy: God expects His people to act justly and love mercy. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this expectation: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

5. Stewardship and Responsibility: Humanity is entrusted with the stewardship of God's creation. Genesis 1:28 records God's mandate: "God blessed them and said to them, 'Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it; rule over the fish of the sea and the birds of the air and every creature that crawls upon the earth.'"

The Role of the Holy Spirit

The Holy Spirit plays a crucial role in enabling believers to meet Divine Expectations. The Spirit empowers, guides, and transforms individuals, producing the fruit of the Spirit as evidence of a life aligned with God's will (Galatians 5:22-23). Romans 8:4 explains that "the righteous requirements of the law might be fulfilled in us, who do not walk according to the flesh but according to the Spirit."

Consequences of Failing to Meet Divine Expectations

Scripture warns of the consequences of failing to meet God's expectations. Romans 6:23 states, "For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." However, God's grace offers redemption and restoration through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, as seen in 1 John 1:9: "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

Conclusion

Divine Expectation is a central theme in the Bible, reflecting God's desire for His people to live in a manner that honors Him and reflects His character. Through Scripture, believers are called to pursue holiness, love, faith, justice, and stewardship, empowered by the Holy Spirit to fulfill these divine mandates.