Rejection comes in many forms, shapes, and sizes. You bow your head to bless your food at a restaurant, only to look up and see people staring at you awkwardly. You lose friends, or even family connections on social media because your posts have become “too religious.” You get passed over for an opportunity because you won’t compromise your convictions. You sit alone during your lunch break because your faith makes others feel uncomfortable. Maybe you’ve been labeled as “doing too much,” or “too different,” or “too serious about God.” Rejection shows up in many places throughout life, even in places many do not realize. This blog is to encourage those who may feel like they are in a season of rejection now–I say season because I believe we all face moments of it at one time or another.
Social and Relational Rejection
This type of rejection can be particularly hurtful because it can show up at any moment, and sometimes even be out of our control. Whether we faced rejection as a child from our parents or caregivers, or we experience the loss of close relationships because of our choice to live lives of faith. The once expected regular text from that close friend who slowly begins to drift away. The family members you love but find difficulty relating to, so it’s easier to pull away and remain distant. The atmosphere or even conversation that suddenly changes when you walk into a room filled with people who are supposed to care about you. It hurts. It makes you wonder why life can feel so lonely at times.
Self-Induced Rejection
If we are completely honest, rejection isn’t always so clear-cut. Sometimes when we are on the receiving end of rejection, it can be a result of our own actions that maybe deserved to be rejected. Maybe there are times when we can talk too much, push too hard, or try to make a point when really what’s needed is grace and listening. Or maybe our zeal and passion for truth is presented in a way that comes across as condescending and judgmental. While I’d like to think more often than not, that our hearts are in the right place– just maybe our delivery needs some tact refining. What’s unfortunate is when poor communication happens such as this, it breeds misunderstanding. Consequently, we can end up feeling unheard, misunderstood or even guilty, and unsure how to make things right.
The Worst Type of Rejection
Let’s not forget the most subtle, the most hidden, and what I think of as the most damaging and destructive type of rejection there is… the quiet but ever heavy weight of self-rejection. We replay regretful words we said, we overanalyze our choices and second guess ourselves–convincing ourselves we’ve failed. We start to believe lies like
“I always say the wrong things” “I am such a failure” or “Maybe I should stop voicing my opinion.” Or how about this one… “Maybe I should stop trying.” Without realizing it, in the depths of our minds in our self-perception, we reject the very person God created us to be.
How to Fight Back
Throughout Scripture, Jesus reminds us that for those who follow Him, it’s never a matter of if they will surely face rejection, but when. In other words, for followers of Christ, rejection is guaranteed in this world. Why? Because He was first rejected. He walked this very road. And as His followers, we can rest knowing we are not alone (John 15:18–24). Here’s the beautiful truth: God is near to us in every form of rejection… from others, from ourselves, and even in those moments when we may have caused it ourselves unintentionally. He promises to care for us when others don’t, or when even we are incapable of having any ounce of confidence in ourselves.
While writing this, one of my favorite stories in Scripture came to mind–the story of Hagar in (Gen 21:8-21). The second time she was sent into the wilderness, for simply just obeying her masters and doing what she was told–the scriptures portray her as a helpless, heartbroken, misunderstood, and unseen, insignificant woman. She is so overwhelmed with the grief of rejection that she is at her breaking point and ready to accept the fate of death for her and her son. Yet right here, in the worst possible conditions of the heat of the desert–in the darkest places of her pain, she again encounters God. The Lord reminds her of His promise that He gave back in (Gen 16:11-12) and tells Hagar to trust and believe in His word. He challenged her to remember the name that she gave Him during their first encounter: El Roi — “You are God who sees me” (Gen 16:13). The Lord saw Hagar when no one else did. Allow me to encourage you dear friend, that He is still El Roi. He sees you… every tear, every lonely moment, and every time if feels like a sacrifice to choose humility over pride and the flesh, or obedience over approval.
“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God! Therefore, the world does not know us, because it did not know Him. Beloved, now we are children of God…” 1 John 3:1–3
We are His children… deeply known and fully loved. What a beautiful reminder. So, when rejection comes, whether from others, from within, or from a misunderstanding… remember that El Roi, The God who sees me, sees YOU! His Word is a love letter, expressing the endless depths of His heart and unwavering acceptance of you.
Parting Words and a Call to Action:
Take a moment today to reflect on your rejections, even the ones you’ve caused or placed on yourself–and bring them before the Lord. Engage His Presence in prayer and ask Him to show you how He’s been present, even your darkest and most hurtful moments. Let His grace teach you, His love refine you, and His acceptance heal the places where people’s opinions or your own doubts have wounded you. This week, choose to walk confidently in your identity as a child of God. Be quick to listen, discerning with your words, and humble in your heart. While the world may reject you, and there will be times you may stumble–The God of Heaven still calls you beloved.
“Where faith and hope meet”
Nothing but Encouragement
By: Angela Avalos
Ancient Bible World 
Leave a comment