So many of us have been wounded and rejected by friends, family, co-workers, church members and many more. Sadly there is something about being wounded by our church family that seems to hurt far worse than being wounded by those outside of the church. The truth is that we expect more from believers. Knowing how to respond to this rejection is tricky, especially within the walls of the church.
We know that we should be responding in love, but what exactly does this look like? Thankfully the Word of God gives us clear instructions on how to love well when facing rejection.
Here are some biblical truths that will help us to navigate through rejection:
1. Acknowledge and repent
” See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” (Psalm 139:24)
We need to ask God to reveal anything that might be ours to own and then acknowledge it, repent for it and ask for forgiveness.
2. Forgive quickly
” Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘ Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘ I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times’.” ( Matthew 18:22)
Forgiveness does so much more than simply release the offender from the effects of our resentment. It ultimately releases us in the process, setting us free to live a life of peace
3. Receive and Extend Grace
” For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
We need to understand that everyone is fighting a hard battle of their own. In the same way that we have received unmerited Grace from our Heavenly Father we need to be an extension of that Grace in abundance.
Erick Bouwmeester
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