Since people are fallible and prone to sin (Rom. 3:10,23), we should not be surprised when they disappoint us and let us down. Throughout history, even the very best of God’s people involved themselves in disappointing behavior. Consider…

1. The first pair who ignored God’s prohibition (Gen. 2:16,17), sinned against God (Gen. 3:6) and was banished from the Garden.
2. Noah, who was usually of sterling character (Gen. 6:8), once the ark came to rest upon dry land, became drunk and uncovered in his tent (Gen. 9:21).
3. Abraham was the "friend of God" (Jas. 2:21-23), yet he was, at times, dishonest (Gen. 12:12,13).
4. Jacob or Israel, who was one of the great patriarchs, took advantage of his brother and deceived his father (Gen. 25,27).
5. Moses was the great lawgiver, yet, he tried to dodge responsibility (Ex. 13:10-13). Also, because of his disobedience, he missed the Promised Land (Num. 20:9).
6. David was a man after God’s own heart (Acts 13:22), yet he sinned with Bathsheba and had Urriah put to death (2 Sam. 11).
7. Judas was chosen as an apostle, yet he sold out the Lord for 30 pieces of silver and betrayed him with a kiss (Mk. 14:41-45).
8. Peter was a great apostle of Christ, yet he denied the Lord three times (Mk. 14:66-72).
9. The rest of the apostles all accomplished much, yet on the night Jesus needed them most, "they all forsook Him and fled" (Mk. 14:50).

Based on all these examples, should we be surprised when Christians disappoint us by their actions? No. But when they do disappoint us, what should we do? First, we must remember to be long-suffering (Gal. 5:22,23). We desire others to be long-suffering with us; therefore we need to be long-suffering with them. God is long-suffering (2 Pt. 3:9) and only by following His example can we please Him. Second, we must remember that the Lord will never disappoint us. Some people quit serving the Lord because a child of God disappointed them. This makes no sense. Why quit serving the only perfect one to ever live because imperfect people have let us down? Third, we must remember to do what we can for the one who has erred. The Bible would teach us to go to such a one and restore him (Gal. 6:1). Is this not what we would want done should we fall? Certainly it would be.

Disappointments will come in life. At times, a brother or sister may be the source of these disappointments. Let us keep the right attitude and do what we can to help the situation, understanding all the while that our perfect God will never let us down.