Undesirable

 A very simple definition of undesirable is a person who is not wanted. Have you ever felt that way? I certainly have. It hurts when others look at you and consider that you are not desired. They justify the way they feel, but it does not take the pain away. 

Employers sift through resumes considering the desirable from the undesirable. They may cull certain people because they do not have enough experience, they are too young, too old, do not have enough education, and multiple other criteria. People are more than words printed on a resume. Things like work ethic, commitment to excellence, loyalty, and passion for the work cannot be measured on a job application or a resume. Still worthwhile candidates get cast to the side all the time. 

The same thing happens in romance. People make snap judgments just on the appearance of other people. They may be too tall, too skinny, too short, too fat, too pale or too dark to suit the fancy of prospective lovers. These rejections make people do all sorts of things like diet, do makeovers, shop for new fashionable clothing and get new hairstyles all in vain attempts to become desirable. None of these things reveals the heart of a person. Outward appearance only counts for such in love and romance. 

Undesirable people get isolated, marginalized, cast aside, overlooked, passed over, and rejected. I have known this on multiple occasions as a young man, and as an adult. It made ne work out incessantly as a student hoping to grab the girls' attention. It fueled me to further my education as a man hoping it would open doors for me down the road. Girls still found me undesirable. Churches still passed me over in favor of other pastoral candidates over the years. 

Jesus loves and accepts undesirables. He embraces imperfect people. He welcomes those marginalized by society. That does not mean that He overlooks sin. He sees sin and demands repentance turning to Him for salvation. That does not mean that He does not love. He loves the abused. He cherishes those with checkered pasts. He accepts the unacceptable. He desires the undesirables. 

Now a word to the wise. If Jesus loves all of us that much, and He does, then we do not have to duck our heads in shame. We don't have to live like rejected failures. We do not have to expend our days in isolation trying not to be hurt again. Jesus is attracted to weakness, brokenness, and those shoved to the ash heap of society. His arms are open. His heart is tender. His touch is loving and nurturing. His words are comforting. He has a place for undesirables like me and maybe like some of you. I'm thankful Jesus champions those unwanted.