Rejection and fraternal correction

Rejection and fraternal correction are two realities of life that are difficult to accept and manage.
People may reject their fellow for their bad or good deeds, or both. But let us choose to be rejected for our good attitude and deeds.
Did we ever experience being rejected for our bad deeds? If we did, then our sincere friends correcting us from our bad attitude and deeds will be appreciated. But if we did not, then we will hate those who will correct us. We consider them as enemies.
Sincere corrections are felt because of the Spirit of the Lord that enables us to open up, admit our mistakes, dialogue, and be willing to repent and repair.
To reject people because they correct our mistakes is to close the doors for growth and development. It is stubbornness.
To reject good attitude and deeds is a sign of pride. Why do we reject good attitude and deeds, and those who stand for the truth? Doing this for no reason at all is a sign of envy.
Those with an active Facebook account can connect well. When posting on Facebook, one expects reactions such as “like,” “heart,” “care,” or “wow.” But when somebody reacts with “dislike” or “angry,” one feels bad and even be a reason for sleeplessness.
Rejection is a gesture of dislike to somebody for good or bad action. It can lead to personal or communal destruction. We reject people because we are not open to corrections and we are closed to new ideas. We reject people because we are stubborn and because of too much familiarity.
We may ask the questions, “Why do I reject my fellow?” and “Why do people reject me?”
Human rejection is real. But let us choose to be rejected for our good deeds and for standing for the truth. For God will never reject those who will speak and stand for him.
Jesus exhorted the apostles and exhorts us until today, “Pray for those who persecute you.”
The Prophet Ezekiel narrates, “As the Lord spoke to me, the spirit entered into me and set me on my feet, and I heard the one who was speaking say to me: Son of man, I am sending you to the Israelites, rebels who have rebelled against me, they and their ancestors have revolted against me to this very day. Hard of face and obstinate of heart are they to whom I am sending you. But you shall say to them: Thus says the Lord God! And whether they heed or resist – for they are rebellious house – they shall know that a prophet has been among them.” (Ezekiel 2:2-5)
When we reject good people, good plans and bright programs, good activities and innovations, we actually close the doors for human development.
The psalmist says, “Have pity on us, O Lord, have pity on us, for we are more than sated with contempt; our souls are more sated with the mockery of the arrogant, with the contempt of the proud.” (Psalm 123:3-4)
After exerting all efforts for pastoral work to help improve the world, we realize sometimes that our efforts and sacrifices are not being welcomed but rejected for no reason at all but jealousy, familiarity, and stubbornness. If we constantly do this, we chose to regress. At one point, a good person realizes helplessness but persists to build on the good.
St. Paul begged the Lord for humility to purify his intentions. “The Lord said, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness.’ I will rather boast most gladly of my weaknesses, in order that the power of Christ may dwell with me. Therefore, I am content with weakness, insults, hardships, persecutions, and constraints, for the sake of Christ; for when I am weak that I am strong.” (Corinthians 12:7-10)
Let us be thankful to the Lord that he gives sincere friends to correct us. Let us grow from humbly accepting our faults and learn from them. Let us not reject them.
To reject a righteous person is to deprive a community from developments. “A prophet is not without honor except in his native place. So he was not able to perform any mighty deed there.” (Mark 6:5)