Rejection is a gift. Though it doesn’t feel good and we normally associate rejection with hurt; rejection is actually a gift. Through life and work experiences, I have been able to grow through rejection and identify many of the blessings that it brings.
Rejection builds strength.
Though we seek acceptance and want community with others, there are times and seasons in life when we are not accepted. This rejection can be for various reasons. There isn’t just one reason why we experience rejection, however, when we accept the rejection and turn to the Lord, He is not only able to provide us with insight into the rejection, but He also strengthens us as a result of the rejection.
There are some things that we can only learn when we are separated from others. Alternatively, many people, for the sake of community, forfeit growth. So, when you find yourself rejected and cut off from circles, count yourself blessed. See it as an opportunity to grow and build an internal strength.
Rejection builds identity.
Another blessing of rejection is that it helps us to build our identity, apart from our connection with others. Groupthink is real! Age does not equate to maturity, strength, or even an awareness of our own identity; and the more connected we are to people has a way of limiting our ability to build our identity in Christ. This is why we must keep God #1 in our lives, so that He can be our #1 source of truth regarding our identity. This is why God will often separate those He uses, in order to build the necessary strength and identity within Him.
Rejection is necessary.
Though the world tries to label rejection as solely negative, rejection is necessary. Rejection provides us with the space to more sincerely seek God and His perspective. The more consumed we are with people, the less diligently we seek God. It is in times of rejection and misunderstanding that I seek God more, and with more zeal.
Rejection causes us to seek God.
Anything that causes us to seek God is a blessing. I repeat: Anything that causes us to seek God is a blessing. The means for the action may not feel good, but again, if it turns us to God, it is good. This is where our response to rejection is key:
When rejected, we must turn to God.
When we face rejection and turn to the One who would never reject us, we are comforted, strengthened, and renewed. We are renewed with His truth, which gives us a better perspective on things. We gain a better lens to view the rejection through. Viewing rejection through God’s lens will allow us to embrace it, realizing that He is working the rejection for our good. I’m reminded:
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
– Romans 8:28
May this post encourage you to embrace the rejection that you may encounter. Remember, there is not just one reason why we are rejected, so we must turn to God to better understand the reason for the rejection. We are not always the victim. At times, we may be rejected due to the insecurities or envies of other people, however, we could also be rejected due to personal growth that is needed within us.
Rejection breeds humility.
When experiencing rejection, we must turn to God with humility, in order to identify and understand our lesson. Even if the rejection is due to needed personal growth within us, we may still be called to be separated from certain people. There is a grace and mercy that is built in our relationships, when they are given to us from God.
Consider our relationship with Christ. He accepts us in spite of our sins. Not only that, He came and died to save us from our sins. Love covers a multitude of sins [I Peter 4:8]. So, do not walk in guilt, if you are feeling a sense rejection, due to your sins. You are forgiven in Christ.
Lastly, with forgiveness comes a responsibility. As we are forgiven, in spite of our sins, we must walk in anticipation to forgive others. We cannot accept God’s merciful forgiveness, and then reject others when they sin against us. No, we must practice forgiveness. We must love others, in spite of what they do, and we must love them sincerely- which is only possible as we depend on Christ.
He is able.
So, when you encounter rejection, may you view it as a gift and turn to God to better understand your lesson in it. As we respond to rejection this way, relying on God, He will use what may have been meant for evil and work it for good in our lives. Again, He is able, and whatever He allows is necessary.
Rejection is a gift.
