Are You Prepared To Overcome Rejection?
Are You Prepared To Overcome Rejection?
At times we are called upon to confront behavior that negatively affects us. Jesus said, "If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him." (Luke 17:3) That does not give you the right to vent your anger or charge in like a raging bull in a china shop. Jesus also said "And if he sins against you seven times in the same day, and seven times returns to you, saying, 'I repent,' you shall forgive him" (Luke 17:4). Respect the other person's decision not to pursue a relationship with you. They perhaps don't belong in your life, and you may very well not belong in theirs. Think about the last time you went shopping. Did you buy every item you looked at? Certainly not. Did you reject them because they were inferior? Surely not. You simply decided that they were not for you. However, if you experience a consistent pattern of rejection and you are baffled about the cause, you may consider finding out why. "Faithful are the wounds of a friend; but the kisses of an enemy are deceitful" (Proverbs 27:6). Sometimes it is wise to simply ask, "I'd like to get some feedback from you for my personal development. My objective here is not to resume our relationship. I would just like to ask what it is that made you decide to terminate the relationship. I would appreciate your honest feedback." Make sure that you project an upbeat attitude, not a negative one. Listen objectively, and do not be defensive. You are simply gathering information. And also be perfectly willing to change if there is actual merit to what is being stated.