Thu. Nov 7th, 2024

What to Do When You Feel Disrespected

The ‘Presenting’ Problem

Nothing will put us in a funk faster than dwelling on how we’ve been slighted, whether real or perceived. Pro athletes call it being disrespected. Little children don’t have a word for it yet.

The closer the person is to us, the more painful the slight feels. For example, the driver who dives into that small space between you and the car in front of you and then taps the brakes is a mosquito bite (although the venom can accumulate over the years). But to work for a boss who doesn’t appreciate your work can feel more like a saber slashing at the core of who you are. And a family member or close friend who never seems to initiate or offer you encouragement can dig a hole in your soul that fills back up with a strong resentment and bitterness.

The ‘Real’ Problem

One day recently I was mired in the problem—feeling slighted. Once there, things quickly escalated. Many other grievances I’ve had against others, all of which I thought were forgiven and forgotten, came flooding back into my mind.

The next morning, I brought myself through prayer into the presence of Jesus. Once there, I was reminded (yet again) that we are all like sheep who stray. I have grievances against you, but you have just as many grievances against me—probably more. You have slighted me, but I have slighted you.

Here’s the real problem: we are not in this against each other, we are in this together. That’s why I need to give you more grace—in the same way that Jesus gives me so much grace.

The Solution

Instead of adjudicating our slights against each other, let’s open our eyes and see that we are all sheep in the same pasture. And we can trust our Shepherd sees what’s going on and will smooth things out between us—always if we ask for help, and almost always even when we don’t.

Of course, the timing may be different than we would like. God has an altogether different way of looking at time than we do. “With the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years is like one day” (2 Pet. 3:8b).

This is the way of the gospel of Jesus. It’s a better way. In fact, it is the only way real way to lasting peace and reconciliation with each other.

Now, if I can just remember this the next time I feel the funk coming on. {eoa}

Patrick Morley is the founder of Man in the Mirror Ministries.

This article originally appeared at patrickmorley.com.

Related Post

Leave a Reply

Related Podcasts

More News
When Was Hell Prepared?
When Was Hell Prepared?
What Is Spiritual Warfare?
What Is Spiritual Warfare?
The Greatest Spiritual War for the Future Is the Past, Present and Future
The Greatest Spiritual War for the Future Is the Past, Present and Future
Tucker Carlson Shares His Testimony: ‘I Was Mauled by a Demon’
Tucker Carlson Shares His Testimony: ‘I Was Mauled by a Demon’
Mike Signorelli Talks Demonic Possession, Oppression and Generational Curses
Mike Signorelli Talks Demonic Possession, Oppression and Generational Curses
A Night of Unity at Christ Church: Arabs and Jews Worship Jesus Together in Jerusalem
A Night of Unity at Christ Church: Arabs and Jews Worship Jesus Together in Jerusalem
Amanda Grace, Faith Leaders Host Prayer Night for the Trump Family
Amanda Grace, Faith Leaders Host Prayer Night for the Trump Family
Is Fear Stopping You from Fulfilling God’s Purpose in Your Life?
Is Fear Stopping You from Fulfilling God’s Purpose in Your Life?
Isaiah Saldivar’s Remarkable Message: ‘I Hear Chains Breaking’
Isaiah Saldivar’s Remarkable Message: ‘I Hear Chains Breaking’
Greg Locke: How Biblical Generosity Transforms Lives
Greg Locke: How Biblical Generosity Transforms Lives
previous arrow
next arrow
Shadow

Latest Videos
74.6K Subscribers
971 Videos
7.3M Views

Copy link