Ungrateful Expectations

Editor: My father was a sailor, and during the years he spent with the Harrison Lines, he was very generous, especially to those whom he perceived to be needy.

However, the day came when he retired and could not extend the same generosity that people had become accustomed to. He was disgusted with the attitude of the people he had helped for so many years towards him because they could no longer get what they wanted.

Apparently, the same attitude prevails even to this day. Many receive help from their friends and neighbours and expect to get more and more. When their expectations are not met, they display a negative attitude to those who “have it” and refuse to give it to them.

The bible does say, “the poor you will always have with you.” (Mark 14:7) However, it does not mean that we must cultivate a culture of learned helplessness.”

Traditionally our society was based on sharing. Everyone had something to give. We are experiencing abject poverty because too many people choose only to receive and choose not to give anything. Acts 20:35 says that it is more blessed to give than to receive. Many need to experience the joy of giving.

If we tune our ears to the needy, we should hear the cries for jobs that we should help them to connect with, and not get rid of them by giving them handouts. Let us not continue to cultivate ungrateful expectations.

Anthony G. Stewart, PhD