Karl Ihfe concludes the "Expectation Gap" series by addressing our tendency to focus on self-improvement rather than allowing God to transform us through His love. Using the fruit of the Spirit passage from Galatians 5, he explains that qualities like patience don't come from willpower but from the Spirit working in us. Instead of asking "How can I be more patient?" we should ask "What belief is shaping my impatience?" This shifts our focus from behavior modification to heart transformation through encountering God.
Ihfe distinguishes between viewing the gospel as primarily redemptive versus preventative. While both aspects are important, he argues that the redemptive nature should be primary - God's love always comes first, and we respond to it. Drawing from 1 John 4, he emphasizes that perfect love casts out fear, allowing us to live differently when we truly know we are loved by God. The challenge isn't avoiding getting lost in our faith journey, but recognizing when we're lost and allowing Jesus to find us again. He concludes with a weekly challenge to practice "MOAs" (moments of awareness) - pausing at meals to recognize God's love and asking "What's mine to carry?" when anxiety rises.
