Random things that can make you feel slighted

When people see and like your social media posts but they choose to share them from a friend’s page instead of yours—you feel slighted. It’s probably a test.

When in-laws are angry with family members but it’s you they ostracize—you feel slighted. It’s probably a test.

When a group leader requests your information for the group directory but it’s your information that doesn’t make it on the paperwork—you feel slighted. It’s probably a test.

When you pray for specific things to happen in order for another person to be healed, but the credit for the breakthrough goes to someone else—you feel slighted. It’s probably a test.

Learning humility

We all have to learn humility and life presents us with many opportunities to become hurt or offended. These are usually tests.

We can choose to acknowledge “slights” made by others then become offended or we can overlook those slights and move on.

That doesn’t mean we are to be doormats, but if our contributions are slighted, we need to shift our perspective to a heavenly one.

When these slights happen to me they can be frustrating, but I remember two specific things the Bible says about humility in these situations: (1) humility comes before honor (Proverbs 15:33) and (2) Jesus made Himself of no reputation (Philippians 2:7).

I hold onto these verses when my contributions are overlooked or I am essentially ignored by people I love. I say nothing because I know my silence is building character. If I retort or demand respect, I am exalting myself and that’s not kingdom.

But it hurts

Sure it’s hurtful when you’re putting yourself out there expecting others to have the same integrity to receive as you had to give, but slights should never be allowed to take root in our hearts. Being offended isn’t humility and having a temper-tantrum over being ignored isn’t growth.

Stay focused

I have learned to stay focused on what I have been called to do whether anyone gives me credit or not. I encourage you to do the same if you’re experiencing being overlooked or ignored. Stay the course in your own life and stay busy with your kingdom work.

Don’t stop writing, singing, building, prophesying or loving people even when they overlook you. Stay the course and keep it moving.

Offenses will come and sometimes people you love will ignore you but your silence is building character. Those slights no matter how hurtful are producing humility and anyway, it’s probably just a test, so pass it and move on.

©2021, What You Will