He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; He was despised, and we esteemed him not. (Isaiah 53:3)
Were you ever the last one chosen for a team at school? Or, have you ever heard about the great time everyone had at a party you weren’t invited to? Maybe you’ve wanted to be included in something happening at church, but no one has included you.
Nothing hurts worse
Rejection is the act of throwing away or discarding someone or something. Perhaps most significantly, rejection is the act of denying love. Essentially it implies a lack of value, which brings a sense of worthlessness, of being swept aside. Unwanted and unwelcome
Rejection is something we feel deep in the pit of our stomachs. Medical research has discovered that the effects of rejection can actually have a severe impact on physical health. All of us have faced that terrible, gnawing feeling of being unwanted, unloved, and unappreciated, but many people can become debilitated by it.
Two Views of You
God’s view of you is one of love, unconditional acceptance, and forgiveness. He offers mercy and grace without limit.
Satan’s view of you is one where there is no love, joy, peace, acceptance, or forgiveness. There is only condemnation, rejection, disillusionment, destruction, division and despair.
Satan wants you to reject the love of God. Without love, faith will not work (“faith works through love” Galatians 5:6). Those full of rejection become so consumed by what others think of them that they cannot function in faith.
Like a python suffocating its prey, over time Satan uses rejection to slowly steal the love of God and love of others from our hearts. We no longer experience the joy of serving Him and the peace of His presence.
Rejection causes churches to become anemic and ineffective. It gives rise to splits and divisions, and creates a faith-less people. Loved is drained out and fear abounds.
Whose opinion shapes you?
It’s easy to become caught up in what others think about us. Whether it’s our rejection or approval, we always seem to take to heart what others say. But rejection by people will be much easier to bear when we know we will always be accepted by Christ.
Jesus experienced rejection from the very people he came to save. And many continue today to reject Him by refusing to believe in Him. Jesus definitely understands what it feels like when we are rejected and lonely. When we feel unwanted, unloved, and unappreciated, we can take comfort in knowing that Jesus also knows that type of pain.
The REAL You
Remember that rejection by man can never define who you really are—as long as you don’t let it. God says you are a custom-made masterpiece, and that you will always be accepted by Him. Focus on the fact that the God of the universe, who created everything from the Junebug to Jupiter, says that you are wanted, loved, and appreciated.
Anyone who says different is working for the Devil.
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