Dealing with an insult to our pride is a difficult issue to face. Often it is the result of something beneficial we are trying to do for others, and it is responded to in a way that is unexpectedly negative. For example, maybe you are trying to assist a co-worker, and they take your assistance as an insult to their job performance and lash out at you. Or, maybe you try to gently correct someone, but they respond in anger, as if you are making a comment about their intelligence.
Having a humble and servant’s heart is the best way of receiving correction and reproof, because it is an acknowledgement that we are not perfect, but we are becoming more like the one who is perfect (Christ Jesus), as we continue to pursue his example of how to live. However, when we are on the other side of the equation and have to deal with people who don’t react in such a manner, it can be a difficult circumstance to handle.
Self-directed anger. Fear of failure, rejection and loss. Dissatisfaction. Envy. Like an orchestra of untuned instruments, the noisy emotions of wounded pride refuse to be comforted. In the dark halls and back rooms of our hearts, angry feelings slam doors, break windows, raise voices, and start arguments.
Feelings of not being able to measure up hound us in school, can trip us up on the job, and threaten our sense of safety and security at home. Like demon dogs of discontent, damaged emotions even follow us to church.
Those who’ve been repeatedly rejected and disrespected may have an especially hard time believing the truth about themselves. Children of troubled, self-destructive parents need extra amounts of understanding, encouragement, patience, compassion and mercy. All too often, they bear the scarred emotions of unpredictable neglect, rage, and abuse.
But will we find ourselves only when we listen to those counselors who tell us we need to learn to accept and affirm ourselves as we are.
If we really hate ourselves as much as we think we do, why are we so unnerved by our failures and mistreatment?
