How to Deal with Rejection

Part 2

by Barb Sulfridge

A Quick Review

Depression is a lot like grief. We move through many of the same stages. My last blog post covered Denial, Anger, Bargaining, and Depression. Let’s talk about how we can move on from the sting of rejection.

Stage 5A Acceptance: Our Role

Romans 12:18 states, “If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with all men (and women).” It takes the effort of both parties to re-establish relationships. Note: there are specific criteria in the Bible for leaving a marriage that are not addressed here. You might be the sweetest apple on the tree, but some people do not like apples.

When falsely accused because of your faith:

“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me.” Matthew 5:11

“If you are reviled for the name of Christ, you are blessed because the Spirit of glory and God rests on you.” 1 Peter 4:14

When we think it’s not our fault, we might want to make deals with the person who is rejecting us that benefits them more than it benefits us. Ask God to point out any sin for which you may need to repent. Your rejection may be the result of someone else’s unrealistic expectations. Again, don’t give in to manipulation.

Jesus Understands. He experienced rejection at every level.

 “For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.” Hebrews 4:15

“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces, he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” Isaiah 53:3

Know the source of your true worth.

“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Jesus Christ to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” Ephesians 2:10

“You were bought with a price. Therefore, honor God with your bodies.” 1 Corinthians 6:20       

Stage 5B Acceptance: Forgiveness is a Mandatory Part of Moving on.

Forgiveness is mandated for the Christian.

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32

“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Matthew 6:14

“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive you.” Matthew 6:15

Re-read Matthew 6:15 above. It’s important!

Consider the example of Job, who was blameless. He was falsely accused of sin by his peers. God allowed Satan to take away everything he loved. Note: God allowed Satan to do this as a test of his faith. God believed Job to be righteous but only when Job forgave his friends for their judgment of him did God restore what was lost to him.

It may not happen overnight. It may take time to process our pain and give it to God. It might take repeated attempts, especially if we are hurt again. We must be truly sorry for our sins and want to change, but we have a comforter in the Holy Spirit who will help us.

In the book of James, we are told, “If any of you lacks wisdom (and this is in the context of dealing with suffering), you should ask God who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.” James 1:5

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:8–9

Forgiveness … we might not want to, but it is needed to be free in Christ and move on.

A Personal Note

People you love may not stay with you for the long haul. Maybe God removed them from your life for your protection. Maybe God removed them from your life to lead you in a different direction. The people we want in our lives were perhaps meant only to be a chapter, not an entire story (source unknown).

 As a widow, I have learned to find my contentment in Christ and His promises.

“The LORD himself goes before you … and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” Deuteronomy 31:8

Wait on the Lord. He will make all things new and give back more than you ever lost. We just have to trust His character and His timing.

He loves you enough that He sent Jesus to die for you.

Will you trust Him?

#backwoodsbarb #barbsulfridge #rejectiontips #holdontohope #stingofrejection #fivestagesofgrief