When I was a junior in college, my church announced a need for small group leaders. I thought I might be a good fit, so I volunteered.
A few Sundays later, all of the new leaders and the people who wanted to join a small group gathered after church to be matched together. The leaders lined up behind a row of tall tables and individually met the people who were looking for a group. Members would join by handing their chosen leader a card with their information on it. About thirty girls visited me, and I shared my hope that our group would be a place of Godly friendships and spiritual growth.
As the event went on, most of the girls I’d met gave their cards to others. At first, I was undeterred, but by the end of the event, when no one wanted to join my group, I felt foolish. I drove home, called my mom, and cried.
Last month, I told a friend about this experience. Even though it happened four years ago, the pain of it seemed to hit me afresh. As I trudged through feelings of unworthiness, I recognized my need for Biblically-founded relief.
I realized that I’m probably not the only person who needs it. From not making the team, losing the relationship, not getting the job, not having the friend group, or something else, rejection is a familiar sting to which we can all relate.
A Brief History of Rejection
There is a reason why rejection hurts so much, and it’s partially embedded in our biology.
Sensitivity to social exclusion was an evolutionary mechanism that kept individuals living in groups, where survival rates were much higher. This made separation from the herd – a recipe for a failure to pass on DNA – painful. Over time, humans became genetically programmed to be strongly adverse to rejection.
Because it was once as dangerous as physical injury, our brains respond to rejection with mechanisms that parallel those of physical pain. These two types of pain light up similar regions in the brain, and, in many instances, social pain, like that caused by rejection, is demonstrably worse.
I am convinced that in addition to biology, there is a spiritual component to rejection. The Adversary would like nothing more than to see us respond to the pain in ways that harm us, leading to sin and separation from God. Rejection can leave us emotionally weak, leaving us more susceptible to lies from the Adversary about ourselves and God.
However, neither of these components—biological or spiritual—robs us of the ability to respond to rejection Biblically and find relief in the process.
Jesus’s One Response
Jesus was well acquainted with both the mental anguish and the torment of the Adversary that come with rejection. If we look at his life, we find a blueprint for how God has empowered each of us to respond to rejection.
- After his hometown Nazareth turns him away, Jesus goes “out among the villages teaching” (Mark 6:6 ESV).
- After the Samaritans refuse to host them, Jesus rebukes the disciples who want vengeance and “they [go] on to another village” (Luke 9:56 ESV).
- After Peter, James, and John fall asleep in the garden, Jesus, who had asked them to remain awake, says, “Rise, let us be going” (Matthew 26:46 ESV).
- When Judas betrays him, Jesus responds by saying, “Friend, do what you came to do” (Matthew 26:50a).
In each of these instances, Jesus’s response is to continue his God-given mission. Rejection did not change his plans because he had made up his mind to trust God regardless of his circumstances.
We see this most explicitly in the Passion narrative. In the garden, Jesus prays that the cup of God’s wrath would pass from him, but he concludes by saying, “yet not my will, but yours be done.” Jesus surrendered his will to the Lord and decided to trust him completely. He lives out this decision when Peter tries to defend him in the garden. Jesus says,
“Do you think that I cannot appeal to my Father, and he will at once send me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then should the Scriptures be fulfilled, that it must be so?” (Matthew 26:53)
Jesus could have asked for 72,000 angels (12 legions) to rescue him. God would have responded, allowing the cup to pass from Jesus, as he had prayed in the garden. However, Jesus’s resolve to trust God allowed him to see beyond the pain of the moment and anchor himself in truths. If God was trustworthy, then…
- Despite his hometown rejecting him, Jesus was still the son of God.
- Despite the Samaritans’ refusal to give him a room, Jesus would have a fruitful Earthly ministry.
- Despite his three closest friends’ failure to stay awake in his greatest time of need, Jesus has millions of followers across centuries and the entire world.
- Despite Judas’s betrayal, Jesus’s life fulfilled scripture.
- Despite enduring the wrath of God and the crucifixion – the source of our word excruciating – Jesus would be crowned with glory and honor (Hebrews 2:9).
The first step we can take in responding Biblically to rejection is making a decision to trust God just as Jesus did.
Trusting Regardless of Feelings
Standing at that tall table, I found myself in a swamp of unworthiness. Thoughts swarmed in my head:
- I will always be an outsider, even in church.
- I should have tried harder.
- I was trying to do this out of pride and deserved this.
- I will never be enough.
- I have no purpose.
In the heat of the moment, my feelings skipped right on through everything I believed about God and instead kicked in a 20,000-year-old hardwired response: hurt. This is not wrong or sinful in and of itself. It’s important to let ourselves feel emotions when they come. Then, after we’ve regained our footing, we must fall back on our predetermined decision to trust God regardless of our feelings.
When we turn to trust, the veil of emotion that often blinds us to eternal truths falls away. We recognize truths like these:
- Even though I was at the table all alone, God was still near me (Ephesians 2:13).
- Even though we’re rejected in a relationship, we are beloved by Jesus (1 John 4:16).
- Even though we do not get the job, a place on the bridal party, or a spot on the team or in the band, God has a purpose and something good that will come from it (Romans 8:28).
- Even though the church wounds us, we can have confidence that we have a relationship with the Lord (1 John 5:19).
These truths (and there are so many more) remind us that fleeting experiences of rejection change nothing about our everlasting identity in Jesus, which, once sealed, cannot be taken away from us.
Finding Grace Through Rejection
Our responses to rejection reveal to us what we believe. For example, I tend to take comfort in the feeling that I am useful to God. Standing alone at that tall table stripped that feeling away, and the pain of its absence revealed to me how I had elevated my efforts above grace.
In this way, rejection is a painful – but effective – prod to identify and surrender pieces of your heart that you previously held back from Jesus. If we choose to trust God through the pain of rejection, it becomes an opportunity to embrace his total sufficiency.
At the same time, it’s difficult. I did not stand at that table and recite Romans 8:28 in my head. I was focused on flitting my eyes away from the pastors’ sympathetic glances so they wouldn’t see me hurting.
In moments like these, I believe we are covered in grace. In Mark 9, Jesus showed mercy to the afflicted child’s father, who cries out, “I believe; help my unbelief!” Jesus didn’t look down on the man. And, on that Sunday four years ago, God wasn’t looking down on me, thinking, “I wish she would stop being so weak and instead just trust me as my Son did.”
Much the opposite of looking down from heaven, God met me—and the father in Mark 9—where I was. He healed the man’s son. He helped me drive home. He gave me a mother that would listen to me. He gave me time to feel the hurt and did not condemn me for it.
And God made it clear that there was a time to live out the decision I’d made long ago to trust him. He did it through my roommate, who, about a week later, asked me when I would start my small group.
The words I don’t have a small group ran through my mind. But then God brought to my memory that maybe now was the time to go to another village.
The words came as if they weren’t my own: If you’re willing to be the only one, we can start next Tuesday.
A few days later, a friend of ours joined and we had our first small group at my apartment as a group of three. Soon, others came. Within a few months, our group had evolved into that place of Godly friendship and spiritual growth that I’d longed for when I stood at that tall table. It was all the sweeter for the tough beginning.
Looking back on the experience, I resonate with A. W. Tozer, who writes,
It is doubtful whether God can bless a man greatly until he has hurt him deeply.1
Trying to serve the Lord is hardly a shield against rejection or pain. God did not stop his son from the crucifixion or his wrath, and he will not spare us. But because we know God, neither will he spare us from his grace.
Rejection will never change how much God loves us. It will never touch his goodness, his mercy, or his kindness. It will never make God further away from us. And it will not change the fact that we serve a God who turned the vilest rejection in all of history — the crucifixion of Jesus — into salvation for you and me.
Because of what Jesus has done for each of us, rejection is not the end for us any more than the grave was the end for Jesus. Instead, it’s a call to trust God and then experience the total sufficiency of Christ. He will help us go on to the next village, just as he did 2,000 years ago.
About the Author
© Olivia Davis 2019, all rights reserved
Saint says
Beautifully written and full of truth. Having just experienced rejection within the pursuit of a Christian friend to care and love them, this is an amazing reminder to keep following God and trusting Him regardless of the circumstances.
Anonymous says
This was such a blessing!! Thank you for being obedient and writing this. I experienced something with family that’s been a rejection since age 17 and I’m 51. I appreciate you and be encouraged, God is using you. I will be using some of this to teach at my church as a minister. Blessings Stacie
Goodness Agbo says
I just got rejected from a job interview I was working really hard and praying to get. Normally I would cry and become depressed immediately if I get rejected, but today I decided to check out what the Bible advice I do in situations like this. Amongst my searches, this article came up first and this has encouraged me in ways I can’t explain. May God bless you for sharing this. I’m moving over to the the next village, the lord has so much more in store.
Anonymous says
Hi,
Thank you for writing and sharing this message. It helps me a lot in a situation of rejection. Very timely.
Kiara Hart says
Awesomely stated and a good read.
Doria says
Thank you! SIMPLY, THANK YOU FOR THIS MESSAGE!
Lois says
Thank you so much for this message of hope and comfort. Your testimony is brings a refreshing to my soul.
I just went through a rejection this morning by a most trusted and loving spiritual mentor. I was removed from all her groups, though she’s asked to meet with me to discuss the reasons.
I believe God is saying something to me and I need to be attentive to hear and obey. From my early years, I’ve had to fight rejection; that’s why I tend to crank up with any firm of rejection.
Now I know that I need to trust God and continue with His assignment for my life. If Jesus went through rejections, surely, I also will. It’s all in an effort to build me, make me stronger in faith and better equipped to be a blessing to my world.
Angie says
Hey there, thank you for this testimony and teaching.
I experienced rejection from my community. They don’t add me in the core leaders, but in the first core leaders meeting they invited me, so I was there in the first core leaders gathering.
I’m a full-timer worker on the field and I’m a pioneer also the Frontliner of my community ( we have a house church because we all mission workers)
I found some rejections and they don’t hold their words, but because I’m a person not really like in the spotlight oftentimes I just quiet and keep in my mind.
But I love God love neighbors a lot. I mean I really living a life as a disciple of Christ. I honored my friends, love them and they are nice. But already more than 5 times I found being betrayed and rejected. Anyway even I’m a quiet person I always speak up if there is something wrong or not right, not match with the values or even the Word of God
Even now I’m in this pain your teaching is really encouraging me. Even in this pain I still thinking to hold this, and will talk to my leaders later. Because at the moment my disciple’s dad just passed away. And she’s also already joined as a member in our house church.
Would you please pray for me?
Thank you and bless you
Acoya says
This was such an inspiring testimony and was so related to what I felt today. I’m moving in to “another village”. May you continue to touch others just as much as you have touched me!
Joanna says
Blessings Olivia,
How refreshing it was to read your experience of rejection. Your testimony let me know that I am not alone. And that Father God will never leave nor forsake me. I’m 64years of age and to date I still get rejected whether it’s from the Body of Christ—church folk or family members, including my spouse. It hurts most when I perceive disinterest from others or my voice/story isn’t being heard and received. I’m not being listened to.
To date, when triggers of anger come about or I lament(weep), it’s to Father God and He alone. This is how I’m still learning that He is my sufficiency. That said, the bonuses which stood out most from your testimony to me was 1.) for me to continue to focus on my God given mission/assignment. There were many times I wanted to go Home to be with Jesus. 2.) “…to trust God and then experience the total sufficiency of Christ,” 3.) maintain my identity in Christ, i.e., who He says I am in Him vs. giving full attention to, by allowing the devil place in my thinking (emotions) regarding rejection and, last but not least, 4.) loving myself enough to say, “Rejection is not a punishment! Rather it’s identifying with the sufferings of Christ.”
May God’s favor continue to be with you Sister. May His face shine upon you and may He give you peace, in Jesus’s name. Thank you.
Z says
I was lead to this article because I feel rejected right now by my family. I am so deeply hurt. Thank you for reminding me to look upward
M. S. says
Grateful I was lead to this article. I was crying my eyes out about rejection I’ve been feeling recently and trying my hardest not to take it personal. But the scriptures you quoted about another village and you yourself determining that God was telling you to go on to another village feels like a direct message to me.
Thank you my sister in Christ. I don’t know you personally but whenever someone from His body speaks it feels like talking to family or friends.
Vincent says
07/28/23 – I have been reading the Gospels and saw how Jesus had freed 2 men from demon possession. There was an entire town who heard about this and begged Jesus to leave them alone. I couldn’t imagine how Jesus must have felt so I started searching and ended up here.
It’s interesting because I have been also dealing with rejection through making sales calls after starting my own business. People can be quite nasty to you even if you have good intentions. I have been dreading making more calls because even though these people don’t know me, I still feel a piece of my heart get squashed when calls go south.
I will be taking the “onto another village” mentality from now on! I didn’t know that I needed to read your post today but it the Lord led me straight here and I’m thankful for it!
Sharon Mason says
Today as I kneeled to pray, I asked Heavenly Father for direction. Being led to deal with rejection, I googled how did Jesus Christ deal with rejection. That is when your article came up with a few others. After fully reading the article, “ going to a new village” stood out.
It has been quite some time that rejection has been the experience at church. Causing questions if joining another body of believers would be appropriate. There is the answer.
Vince says
Beautiful!
Candice says
So inspirational and just what I needed to hear. Your words are a blessing. Isn’t that amazing? You felt rejected at church when you wanted to form a small group and now your words and testimony touch so many; isn’t that how God works though? Amazing. Thank you again.
Julz says
Thank you for your article. It brought tears to my eyes because I can relate. I have a question about when you wrote that question about starting the group with the two of you. You mentioned how it seemed like the question came with words that weren’t your own. I experienced this recently and the person’s answers to my questions (were they my questions?) took me by complete surprise and revealed some truths that are life changing. Afterwards (before I acted on this information) I clearly and repeatedly heard, “Wait.” from God – for several months. But then came silence from God. Now I’m not sure of my path, purpose, or place in this world. I keep asking Him.
Your concept of moving to the next village also hit home. I’m just not sure where or what that logistically means for me. I have changed from patience and faith, but, more recently as the silence continues, am getting mad at God for not answering my prayers and calls for guidance or open doors. I told God I was mad at Him! Lol! I know he knows this already, but I don’t know what to do next. Your article helped me at least know that I’m not alone, so thank you for that!
My question is about the words flowing as if they were not your own. Can you describe what that was like for you? I’m curious because that’s exactly how I would describe what happened to me.
Humbled says
Thank you for sharing. I have experienced a tremendous amount of rejection and condemnation from my sons. I was busy complaining to Jesus when I came across your article!
Val Johnson says
Thank you, Olivia, for providing so many of us the remedy to rejection: A Biblical Response. Sometimes we have the answer(s) right in front of us (the Word) and don’t seek to use it….instead just wallow in our pain. The Lord told me some time ago, “Don’t look back. Remember Lot’s wife.” So a thousand thanks to you for allowing God to use you to help us stop rehearsing the pain and instead to trust God as we move on to our God-given assignments to help and minister to others.
Mercy says
Wow. Just wow!
I can’t find the words yet because I’m still feeling the raw emotion of over 30 years of constant rejection by a parent. Even though I’ve left home, this parent comes to visit and still hurts me again and again.
Isn’t it funny that the people we strive to please the most are often those who really don’t care about us and hurt us the most? Probably because of that instinct you wrote about.
Reading your story and how you found God in it is soothing for me. I trust God to help me work through this pain and truly experience that He is indeed sufficient.
Thank you.
Olivia Davis says
Thank you so much for the kind comment, Mercy. I am so sorry for the devastation that you have experienced. How encouraging it is that the Lord met you in my story – I will be praying that one day you have the opportunity to do the same thing for someone else! The pain of rejection is incredibly acute, but how much greater is God’s love for us. I admire your faith and trust in God to help you work through the pain and to experience that he is sufficient, and I am praying with you for that. Many blessings!
Tammy says
This blog post truly blessed me. I rejoice and that note on May 1, 2022, as I have my bible open, I read this God-inspired message that changed my spiritual trajectory and offered me hope.
Truly may God continue to bless your ministry.
Olivia Davis says
Wow! Thank you so much, Tammy, for the kind comment. I am so happy that you found hope through the article. May the Lord bless you 🙂
Carol says
Hi there Olivia
Thank you so much for your article. I’ve been through a number of rejections in the last few months and felt failure, shame, overwhelming sadness and huge disappointment.
My feelings have alternated between anger, depression, and giving up… and fantasising in my mind many creative ways of retaliation!
Thank you for your sensitive writing and for sharing your painful experience. I know it really helps me to know that I’m not alone when others are brave enough to share their failures, disappointments and embarrassing moments.
A wonderful pastor I know once said, “never trust a preacher who isn’t limping“
So… I’m choosing to be like Jesus, and I’m gonna walk on to the next village to continue the work he’s called me to do.
Thank you again, with love and blessings.
(from Turkey)
Jeffry says
good job
Tim says
Spiritual pygmy – I love it! That’s what I’ll liken myself to when I realize it’s not Jesus calling me that but the enemy when I am rejected!
Your word, “…it’s a call to trust God and then experience the total sufficiency of Christ” hits the nail on the head. It’s a complete summation. When I am rejected, the hardest thing is how you summed it up – I don’t trust or feel sufficient in Jesus, which is a circular issue.
Your issues are always meant for me. Have I ever suffered from rejection recently! I’m glad I read it when I did rather than when you wrote it as it has meant to me more now! Thank you Sister. Your long hours really help many. I keep sending your site to others because you are so gifted at succinctly dealing with life and what it can be in Jesus.
As Anonymous said, your rejection broke my heart!
Ashley says
I really like this article. I had been feeling rejected for a while from my coworkers concerning a situation at work. It was lies and then i was questioned. I was feeling pretty low and asking why God was allowing this to happen. I feel encouraged with the scriptures you had on here. My husband has been my support system too. Most of all the Lord.
Anonymous says
Your rejection hurt so much more to read because it was in front of a crowd. Maybe the church should have done the whole small group process more anonymously. This article also reminds me of the article about your roommate years ago and how God brought you relief.
Read this makes me reflect the major times I’ve felt rejected and how I handled it..
When kids at school bullied me because I’m Asian.
When kids at Chinese school bullied me because I was a different kind of Asian, and because our family wasn’t rich.
When a girl I loved for 10 years rejected me.
When my parents didn’t accept me when I became a Christian.
When I had to do an extra year in pharmacy school and lost a lot of friends because of it.
And a handful of other fun events that made me feel like I wasn’t enough.
However, you’re absolutely right. Christ and our identity in Christ doesn’t change despite how our circumstances and feelings change. We’re still useful to Christ even if we don’t feel useful, and our brokenness allows Him to show His healing sufficiency. It’s amazing to see all that He’s done when you look retrospectively into your life. Thanks for being open and vulnerable. It really was a relatable and refreshing read.
I also love how you included the studies about physical and emotional pain.
Maybe we can give Tylenol to depressed patients..
I’ll get back to you on how that goes and if I’ve been fired for trying something new.