We all encounter moments that we deal with rejection when it feels like a door slamming shut in our face.
A job opportunity that slipped away, a friendship that didn’t quite blossom, or a romantic chapter that ended sooner than expected.
It’s in these moments of rejection that we often find ourselves questioning our worth and purpose.
The truth of God feels so far away.
Even those closest to us can feel so distant.
With our minds racing and distrust sensors set on high alert, there is only one place to turn to find out how to deal with rejection.
Defining Rejection
Interestingly enough, the word “rejection” actually refers to either the “action of rejecting” and the body, in the act of rejecting a foreign organism, according to the dictionary.
Imagine being a patient in dire need of an organ transplant and your body reacts to the donor organ by saying, “No, we don’t want you. You’re not welcome here.”
That is exactly the case for many people. Now shift perspectives.
Imagine a group of coworkers chatting in the break room as you walk in.
Suddenly, they all get up and leave without so much as a glance.
Ouch! I’ve actually experienced this.
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The Inevitability of Rejection
As you come to him, a living stone rejected by men but in the
sight of God chosen and precious…
Rejection comes in many forms, whether it is from coworkers who pretend you don’t exist, to a friend or family member who seems to never initiate phone calls or time to get together.
Sometimes rejection comes when you choose the path of righteousness.
Just as people scoffed at Jesus and ultimately sent Him to the Cross, people will avoid discussing the Gospel.
It almost hurts more when peers choose the passive approach that leaves us guessing.
The reality is: rejection happens to everyone.
What to Do When Rejection Afflicts You
Blessed are you when people hate you, when they exclude you and insult you and reject your name as evil, because of the Son of Man. “Rejoice on that day and leap for joy, because great is your reward in heaven. For that is how their ancestors treated the prophets.
It sounds backwards, but the Bible literally says to “leap for joy” when we are rejected and hated as Jesus was.
More often than not, when you do the right thing according to God, it is not the right thing according to the world.
So, when you are doing the right thing and following the right path it is a given that your actions, behavior, and unfortunately, your existence is going to offend someone.
Rejoice in knowing that the only person who truly matters is proud of you.
It hurts in the moment to be excluded, but the rewards will be more than anyone can fathom, once we enter the City Gates.
Don’t Act Like You Have Been Rejected
Haven’t you read this passage of Scripture? ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone;
The cornerstone was the most important stone that held up two sides of a structure.
Remove that stone, and all will collapse.
You are just as essential in your place in life.
Those that have been rejected will become the most important piece of the puzzle in its own time.
Don’t act rejected because your time to shine is coming.
Instead, dust off your shoulders and walk with your head held high, knowing that you are part of a royal priesthood.
Focus on the Positive Aspects of Being Rejected
For everything God created is good, and nothing is to be rejected if it is received with thanksgiving
Sometimes the reasons we get rejected are for petty stuff; things that middle-school children argue over in the cafeteria.
Other times, we are rejected for being quirky, or too loud, or even too quiet.
No matter the reason, there is always a bright side.
- Focus on your faith life: Your relationship with Jesus Christ is far more important than what anyone else thinks.
- Focus on your physical health: The stress and anxiety that comes with rejection can cause people to make poor choices with diet and exercise. Make conscious healthy choices throughout the day.
- Focus on your testimony: What will this story sound like to someone going through the exact same thing as you? Will it be a story that ends in bitterness and loneliness? Or, will it be a testimony of how God is always by your side?
Be Willing To Take A Risk
“Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me; but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me.”
Remember that God brought you here for such a time as this.
His great plan to send his Son into the World to die for our sins included your part in sharing the Gospel.
Sometimes, remaining steadfast in that promise is all anyone can do.
A simple refusal to react when a group acts in an avoidance, or turning the other cheek to harsh words instead of engaging in an argument will speak volumes about your character and strength.
Take that risk. Do the right thing, even though you might face rejection.
Save For Later
Don’t give up
For the Lord will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance.
It is completely against God’s good and perfect nature to abandon His children.
He will not leave you alone in your suffering.
Hold on to the truth of His grace and mercy and find peace in knowing that He is with you, and when you choose His way He is proud of you.
Keep going!
Be Bold in Christ While Handling Rejection
He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces, he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
You have heard about the ways Jesus was rejected when He walked this Earth.
It was prophesied in Isaiah that He would know suffering and pain.
He sees you. He knows what you are going through.
He accepts you as you are and where you are.
It only makes sense that we turn to Him at this time.
You do not have to come to Jesus with a scripted prayer, in clean clothes, or even with folded hands.
He is ready to hear your cries no matter the circumstance.
You do not have to handle these feelings of rejection alone.
Bible Verses About Handling Rejection
- Psalm 34:17-18 – The righteous cry out, and the Lord hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.
- Isaiah 53:3 – He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces, he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.
- 1 Peter 2:4 – As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him.
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This is such an important message!