The Remedy for Rejection

by Barbara Latta

As human beings, we have all felt rejection from others at times.

Misunderstandings in our relationships can cause rejection to well up in our hearts. Children may misinterpret what is said by parents, spouses misunderstand each other, and friendships suffer from wrong communication. Over time negative reinforcement can cause us to form feelings of unworthiness. We then transfer those feelings to our relationship with God and compare Him to human relationships. This can cause a break in our ability to hear Him and receive what He wants to give us.

When we give in to our emotions, it’s easy to misinterpret what others say and do. We feel rejected. Self-doubt plays in our minds with voices that say, “I’m not good enough”, “No one likes me,” or “I don’t measure up.” Self-pity can form in our souls when we are replaying in our minds the words and deeds done to us by others. All this does is fuel the emotions we are trying to overcome.

But none of us have ever faced the kind of rejection Jesus faced.

Jesus was rejected by the religious leaders. “Then, from that day on, they plotted to put Him to death” (John 11:53).

He was rejected by his hometown. “So all those in the synagogue, when they heard these things, were filled with wrath, and rose up and thrust Him out of the city; and they led Him to the brow of the hill on which their city was built, that they might throw Him down over the cliff” (Luke 4:28-29).

He was rejected by his followers. “From that time many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more” (John 6:66).

He was rejected by the Twelve. “So from that time he (Judas) sought opportunity to betray Him” (Matthew 26:16). Parenthesis mine.

 “Peter then denied again; and immediately a rooster crowed” (John 18:27).

“Then they all forsook Him and fled” (Mark 14:50).

He was rejected by his family. “But when His own people heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, ‘He is out of His mind’.” (Mark 3:21)

In the midst of all this rejection, Jesus stayed focused on fulfilling God’s will. As the Son of Man he had the ability to feel the same emotions we feel; but as the Son of God He remained true to His purpose. He didn’t let the rejection of others sway what He knew He had to do. His Spirit overcame His emotions (Mark 14:36).

But the worst rejection was from His Father. “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46).  Jesus’ love for us was so great He was willing to endure that separation so we wouldn’t have to.

Your value is not determined by the way another person treats you. Your value is determined by the sacrifice of heaven’s Valentine.

You are deeply, deeply loved.

What does this love mean to you?