Ostracism and being rejected can destroy a person’s self-worth. To exclude someone from a group because of their looks, culture or even their perfectionism is simply wrong. Pain can be alleviated by morphine, but the pain of social ostracism cannot be taken away.
If you put up with neglect and abuse because you think it’s what you deserve, your life can become painful. To overcome being ostracized or rejected one must seek an inner strength that is only obtained through the power of God. The Psalmist wrote, “O Lord you are so good, so ready to forgive, so full of unfailing love for all who ask for your help.” More often the help you seek will come from an inner strength that is not of our own strength but rather the strength of a divine power.
Family and friends can experience the pain of being ostracized. And as a result, they shut themselves off from others and their “physical, spiritual, and emotional needs go unmet, and they feel lonely.” By closing people out that you care about in your life, you are diminishing your sense of self-worth, and you open the door to attracting the wrong people into your life.
Attracting the wrong people into your life can create more pain and disappointments. The truth is, when your self-worth is based on any opinion other than God’s, you will always be vulnerable to ostracism or rejection. Criticism can diminish you, failing can keep you from trying again, and what’s worse, you will never discover the unique and wonderful person God made you to be.
So, the answer to overcoming ostracism starts with understanding and accepting how much God loves and values you. As you enter this new season, remember this simple phrase to Never Give Up! Never Give Up! Never Give Up!
By Chaplain Ghosten
chaplain@lhp.net
