Dealing with Rejection

This past Sunday I preached on the subject "Freedom from Rejection" based on Romans 8:31-39.

Those who feel rejected continually have a "rejection syndrome" or a “root of rejection,” meaning they expect others to reject them. Such people may go through life missing much of God’s love and love they could experience through others.

 

 

HOW CAN WE OVERCOME FEELINGS OF REJECTION?

 

1.  Choose to believe the right things. 

To have a healthy emotional life, we need to believe the right things. There are three essential elements that comprise a healthy attitude, and the Lord supplies them all. Through Him, we gain:

A. A sense of belonging. Those who are a part of the body of Christ belong to God’s family (Rom. 8:15-17; Heb. 13:5; Ro. 8:35,38-39). Once we fix this truth in our hearts, we’ll feel secure no matter what.

B. A feeling of worthiness. Jesus considered us so valuable that He was willing to die in our place (John 3:16).

C. A sense of competence. When we accepted Christ as our Savior, the Holy Spirit came to live inside us. One of His jobs is to enable us to accomplish whatever God calls us to do (Phil. 4:13).

2. Learn that negative feelings and perceptions are often grounded in lies – not truth.

              John 8:44    Satan’s power is in the lie

 

              Just because you feel it does not mean that it is true.

              The practice of discernment is the spiritual habit of sifting between that which is true        and         that which is false – and choosing what is true.

 

3.  Accept that there is a battle for your mind and feelings – and choose to fight the battle daily.

              2 Corinthians 10:3-5

God wants your mind because He wants you.  We become what we think about.  The whole process starts in the area of thought.  – Adrian Rogers

 

4.  Wage spiritual warfare when necessary against this battle.

              Use the weapons of warfare – the Word of God, the names of God, the blood of Jesus, the word of our testimony, and praise and worship.

              There are times when you need to claim victory out loud.  Lift up your voice!

5. Choose to involve yourself in relationships with other people – in person.  This requires risk, vulnerability, and patience.

Get involved where people are.  Join a small group or a Sunday School / Life Group class.  Get involved in a church.

 

Don’t  only have internet and texting relationships!  Get with people face-to-face.

 

You need some relationship environments where you are not in control.  Allow other people to encourage you and pray for you.

 

6.  Affirm your position in Christ daily.

Loved unconditionally , forgiven completely , accepted totally , complete in Christ

 

7.  Trust God with the past and the future – and choose to move forward.

              You can go forward positively with Him – no matter what.