HOW TO HANDLE REJECTION
- Olufunmilayo Adekusibe
- 3 days ago
- 3 min read
Today’s Readings:
Genesis 21:5,8-20
Psalm 34:7-8,10-13
Matthew 8:28-34
Have you ever felt rejected? Rejection is a big threat to a person’s social life. I have been rejected and overlooked for favours and privileges, and it really hurt. I felt I wasn’t good enough. So, yes, there is the human side to each of us. What is the best way to handle rejection?
Jesus shows us how to handle rejection, not by speaking but by obliging a shocking request. He had entered the country of the Gadarenes where he was greeted with two demoniacs. Matthew’s gospel described them as fierce tomb-dwellers who made that road unsafe for travellers. But Jesus came there, saw them and exorcised them. The demons left them and entered into a herd of swine, which were drowned in the sea (insert “Mommy see o!” voice-over). The herdsmen ran off and told the townspeople. And they came and pleaded with Jesus to leave their country. What will you do if you are Jesus? Jesus left them. The natural response to a kind gesture is ordinarily words of appreciation and kindness but not the Gadarenes. But sometimes, people greet kindness with rejection. It is fine. Do not beat yourself up. The problem is not you; it is them and it is okay. Do what Jesus did—walk away. Here are a few things you should do when you feel rejected.
Keep doing the right thing. Don’t let rejection change your good and kind nature.
Build a support system around yourself. The natural place to find a read system is the family. Where this is absent or lacking, plug yourself into a pious society or liturgical group in Church. I am insisting on the Church because of its moral foundation (the people here understand morality), and chances are that you will find acceptance and kindness. You may find a similar situation in a secular set up but you might just end up with people who are good at bad things.
Be prayerful. Grow your relationship with God. Speak with Him about any and everything and He will direct you persons who will step in and assist and guide you.
Build a good reputation and let it speak for you. Those who have encountered your character and personality will naturally speak up for you.
Realise that God first loved you and His love is unconditional. When you understand that you are loved by God, you rely less and less on people’s approval.
God will provide for you just like He provided for Hagar and Ishmael in the wilderness. Others may abandon and mistreat you, but God will always protect and provide for you.
The Psalmist has a verse in today’s Psalm that shows us how to attain long life and prosperity and it is as follows:
Call on the Lord (that’s daily prayer).
God protects you.
Let your actions be for God.
Be courageous.
Fear God and do nothing to offend Him.
Rejection is real but God always loved you and will never forsake you. Let God’s love saturate your heart, so that nothing will ever bring you down.
JUDE-MARY OWOH
To surrender your life to Christ, say this prayer aloud. “Father, I acknowledge my sin against You. I repent and ask for forgiveness, in the name of Jesus. I surrender to the Lordship of Jesus. By the power of Your Holy Spirit, take control of my heart and lead me in Your path of righteousness. Thank you, Lord.”
If you said the prayer, Congratulations! You are welcome to the body of Christ. Prayerfully look for a living church and meet the resident reverend, pastor or priest.
Prayer:
Eternal Father, fill my heart with the assurance that You are always with me and that You love and protect me. Forgive my sins and may I find favour with you always. Amen.
Eternal Father, I accept you into my heart. Guide my steps on the path of righteousness and peace, faithfulness and favour. Make me a blessing to everyone I encounter through Christ our Lord. Amen.
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