Have you ever wanted to know someone, but the interest isn't returned? I'm not thinking romantically, although it's applicable; I'm thinking of one in your family (maybe an older sibling you respect or an absent parent), a co-worker, or an acquaintance.
We've all lived on both sides of the situation: being liked to a degree we can't return and giving interest we don't receive back.
The hurt we feel from this "rejection" is sharp. But why do we feel it? If we indeed have not returned all affection given to us, why should we feel other's condescension so undeserved?
In some cases, as in an abusive childhood, there are wounds that must be healed.
In most situations, however, (and I'm speaking very much for myself), we take ourselves much too seriously.
Paul says as much in Romans 12:3: "Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment, in accordance with the measure of faith God has given you."
We become so tuned into our own acceptance or rejection, our own feelings, that the sun and planets begin to revolve around us. If it were not so, why should one person's dismissal of our importance devastate us so?
Maybe God gives us these rejections in part to remind us that life isn't about us. We are a "mist that appears for a little while and than vanishes" (James 4:14).
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| Credit: Ken Sturm |
The missionary C.T. Studd summarized our position:
Only one life, the still small voice, Gently pleads for a better choiceBidding me selfish aims to leave, And to God’s holy will to cleave;Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
Only one life, a few brief years, Each with its burdens, hopes, and fears;Each with its days I must fulfill, living for self or in His will;Only one life, ’twill soon be past, Only what’s done for Christ will last.
We may still feel a sting when rejected. Instead of dwelling on it, maybe we can ponder the amazement that, although insignificant in our brother's eyes, the Creator of the world loves us.
