Rejection and the Unforgiveness that Follows

Rejection sucks, but it is very much a part of life. There is no escaping it. In fact, I find that as I mature in my Christian faith, I am faced with even greater rejection, and the challenges to forgive as a result are harder.

I am the kind of person that when faced with rejection, I tend to pull away. I shut down and offer the silent treatment to those around me. I don't want to risk getting hurt again, but this is wrong. God is not pleased when I respond this way. God desires for me to still move towards people. Regardless if they acknowledge what they have done or not. 

There are times when I honestly believe I have forgiven people who have hurt me, and then I see them and I feel the bitterness forming in my heart all over again...enough to know I am still struggling to forgive. 

It happened this week...I was telling myself, "I've moved passed that situation, and I've forgiven the people involved." But then I saw the person, and I immediately became annoyed, and filled with resentment. Out of nowhere, I chose to bring up my old offense, and before I knew it I was on this rant about what the person, and others had done to me.

Here's what I know, forgiveness is oftentimes not a one time deal. It's a process, at least for me. So God, for every time I have been ignored, rejected, and overlooked I forgive. I forgive those who choose to ignore me rather than help me. I choose to serve you with joy, and to use my gifts to glorify you.

I know that pain is temporary God. My time on this earth is temporary. Teach me to trust you with all that I have in me. My pain has a purpose. I trust you. I entrust my pain to you...even when it feels that salt is being added to my wounds that have yet to fully heal, I have the right to cry out, and to ask Jesus to strengthen my capacity to forgive. To keep moving forward.

I know a man...some 2,000 years ago who was rejected. A man who didn't come here to be served, but to serve. He was rejected and looked down upon. Yet, he stayed focused. Jesus knew his purpose for being sent here. It wasn't to please man, but to please you, God.

Yes, people can be thoughtless, insensitive, and offensive, but so can I. And yet, you love me. Help me to love, and to forgive as you have loved and forgiven me, at my worse.

In Jesus Name, Amen.