Sometimes our feelings of rejection are real, other times the rejection is perceived.  Either way, it is a terrible feeling and one that we hope rarely or never happens to anyone.  Unfortunately, it happens to most of us all too often.  

Welcoming people into our circle of friends is a risk, particularly those who were once rejected.  We normally welcome people of like minds who have similar values as ourselves.  However, it is more difficult to accept people who have for some reason been an outsider or lost their rapport with the group.  

Not being aware of people feeling rejected.

Often we go through life not realizing that there are people on the fringe of our social networks that want to be included.  People who don’t have the courage to ask to be included and or are worried they will be rejected.  Some may have a small social network and are waiting to be included by someone or some group of individuals.  There is an opportunity here to bless individual lives by noticing those around us, particularly those in the periphery.      

Not caring if people are rejected.

It is painful to watch people reject individuals from a group.  I have seen this situation many times with kids and adults.   Often those who reject newcomers to the group are people who lack confidence in themselves and compassion in their hearts.  

When I am directly involved with this situation I often challenge the rejection and look for another alternative.  Normally I distance myself from people who are toxic.  I don’t reject them, I excuse myself from the situation.   

Not taking the time to include people.

Often we are so busy that we forget to look around and include others in the fun, the group, the event, the game, or the conversation.  It is not that we are against including people, we don’t take the time to see that other people want to be included.  It takes effort to be perceptive and include others.  It is not difficult, but it does mean that one has to be aware of what is going on around them.  

Not having compassion. 

I try to understand why a person might be feeling rejected.  What is going on in a person’s life?  What has the person been through?  What is causing the feeling of rejection?  Although I will never know exactly how the person is feeling, I believe it is helpful to have compassion towards what they are experiencing.  In order to do this, we have to be aware of those around us, willing to open ourselves up to new friendships, slow down enough to see opportunities to bless people, and have the compassion to welcome newcomers into our circle of friends.

Witnessing and experiencing rejection has always made me feel very uncomfortable.  As I make my way through life, it appears that is true for the vast majority of people.  I pray for the right opportunity to help ease the feeling of rejection for those around me.  I welcome the opportunity to broaden my circle of friends.

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