WHAT IF THEY REJECT ME
By Carolyn Dale Newell
“If you were of the world, the world would love its own. Yet because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you.”
John 15:19 (NKJV)
Rejection has been around since Cain and Abel. Joseph’s brothers hated him and even plotted to kill him (Gen. 37:4-28). Moses constantly experienced problems from the Israelites, and his own brother and sister were jealous of him (Num. 12:1). David’s son, Absalom rebelled against him (2 Sam. 15). Without a doubt, Jesus Christ has been rejected more than anyone who has walked this earth.
It is no surprise that as Christians we experience rejection. We are “strangers and pilgrims” in this world (1 Pet. 2:11 KJV). “For our citizenship is in heaven…” (Phil. 3:20). However, that doesn’t stop the pain of friends and family shunning you and even breaking off relationships. Yet, Jesus said, “For I have come to set a man against his father, a daughter against her mother, and a daughter-in-law against her mother-in-law;” (Matt. 10:35).
The fear of rejection is perhaps the main deterrent for people’s unwillingness to share the gospel. Some people feel more comfortable witnessing to a stranger rather than a friend or relative. However, when Jesus gave the great commission, He also gave the promise that He would always be with us (Matt. 28:20).
Jesus Christ, who knows the sting of rejection will be with us when we witness. He will comfort us when we are rejected. Above all, there is one who will never reject His own, not even when we fail – Jesus Christ. His love is unconditional.
Lord Jesus,
I know that You have experienced more rejection than I ever will, and I need Your grace and comfort to get me through this time. Thank You for never leaving me. Help me each day as I face a world of unbelievers who often turn their back on me. In Jesus name, amen.
DIG DEEPER
Read John 15:18-27.
HIKING THE TRAIL
Is there someone you need to witness to, but you keep putting it off because you fear rejection? Have you experienced rejection in the past? Ask God to calm your fears and soothe your hurt, enabling you to witness to someone today.
Copyright 2014 Carolyn Dale Newell.
A Mountain of Faith 
This is a great challenge, Carolyn. I especially like your prayer and dig deeper section. Good stuff!
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Thanks, Dianne. I really appreciate you stopping by.
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Hi Carolyn,
It really is so comforting to know that there is One who is well acquainted with the rejection that we experience, whether from witnessing or in our personal lives. Christ’s motives were always for good, yet His love was still refused and rejected – I cling to this truth because it has a powerful way of strengthening my soul! May it encourage and lift yours too Carolyn as you continue sharing His gospel with the world around you!
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Jessica, thank you for stopping by. May we all remember that we should never expect to be treated any different than our Lord.
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Carolyn, great post! Blessed to be your neighbor at the RaRa Linkup today. It really is a great challenge to not fear rejection. I am reminded of a Christian hip hop artist whose latest catch phrase is “Love your haters.” He admits that it is not easy to do, but God was the one who was always showing unconditionally love. May we be more like God and share that unconditional love with all of God’s people.
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Thanks for stopping by, and yes, we are commanded to love our haters, giving them the gospel truth that they may be saved.
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Yes, rejection is huge but what comfort that Jesus does not reject those who are His. Thanks for linking up with the #RaRaLinkup.
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Thanks for reading and hosting the linkup this week. By the way, I really liked your post yesterday, but I did the linkup and forgot to come back and leave you a comment.
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