Redeeming Rejection

   Rejection may be one of the ugliest words in the English language. It stings, cripples, burns, bruises.

   Because of the human spirit’s inborn need for acceptance and belonging, rejection cuts us to the core. When others turn their backs on our ideas, treat our feelings as of little value, walk away from us or out of our lives, we suffer deeply.

Being rejected as a potential employee, or terminated from our current job, or voted down as a political candidate, or rejected as a life partner carries a heavy emotional price tag.

For some of us, the pain of rejection may be limited to our being stood up for a date, having an idea laughed at, having a joke we tell leave an awkward silence in the room.

   But others of us suffer untold agony of heart because of rejection. Typically, one of two responses accompanies the heartache of rejection - defeat or bitterness. And neither response is what God would want of us.

   Rejection can cause us to slip into a bog of despair and defeat from which we seem unable to free ourselves. Or it can fuel a bitter, resentful attitude that boomerangs to close us off from others and perpetuate even more rejection.

   How did we make that connection?

   Is the bitter, complaining response of an employee who was turned down for a promotion likely to endear that employee to management? Will anger and bitterness serve to secure his or he ...