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Whether from a friend, family, an employer, or a church, we can remember one form of rejection we've faced in our lives. And without a doubt, this experience leaves us with an effect – either short or long term. Our faith is not a shield either. If there's anything at all, it is that being a Christian makes us more vulnerable to rejections.In today's tech-driven world, you will agree that this has taken an even more difficult approach.Depending on our response to rejection, this experience can leave a dent on our hearts and could damage one's self-esteem. It has done great damage to the faith of many Christians and closed the door of truth against many seekers.God, however, did not leave us in the dark on this matter.When we turn to the Bible, we realize that we are not alone in this struggle for acceptance. From God's rejection of Cain and Joseph's rejection by his brothers to the New Testament examples, the Bible is replete with examples.But in the face of Christ, we can learn what rejection is and how to handle it. Jesus' rejection experience was two-dimensional. The people he came to save rejected him, and, at Calvary, was abandoned by the God he loves. If we say Jesus had the most painful experience of rejection, we would be just right."The true light, which gives light to everyone, was coming into the world. He was in the world, and the world was made through him, yet the world did not know him. He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him." (John 1:9-11, ESV)What, then, can we learn from Jesus Christ?By looking at the Bible, we can learn the following from Jesus (and the Scripture) in handling rejection.Focus on Your PurposeWhatever the enemy brings our ways (including rejection), its sole purpose is to deter is from fulfilling our purpose. We must not give him a chance to do this. Jesus shows us this by focusing on the goal."Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God." (Hebrews 12:2, ESV)Jesus was unfazed in the face of rejections and the shame that accompanied it. His eyes were on the prize. There was no looking at the people who rejected him. He wanted to please God. And nothing was stopping him.Like Jesus, we have the choice to look away from distractions and focus on our life purpose. What you are living for is bigger than your rejection. It's a temporary event and not defining. There's something bigger for which to live.Turn to God in His WordIt's no doubt rejection could beat down one's esteem. It could make you feel less and undeserving of good things. But this is not what the scripture says about you. The opposite is, in fact, the truth. You are priceless and worth more than all the good things of this life!"Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot." (1 Peter 1:18-19, ESV)Look at that! In the face of rejection, open up your mind and let God's Word landscape it. Live in and on God's Word. It can renew and build you up. Allow God's word to rule your heart and mind. Let it have the run of the house in your mind!Cast Your Pains at Christ's Feet.There's nowhere better we can be certain our every worry is listened to with intentional commitment. Only Jesus offers us this. He cares for and about you (1 Peter 5:7). He knows and sees what you're going through. Ours is a God who cares. It is encouraging to know.Jesus says"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Matthew 11:28-30, ESV)Here's an open invitation, whose only requirement is to have a burden. Hurts accompanying rejection is a heavy burden, too. So, take it to the Lord in prayers and cast it there. In exchange, take Christ's easy yoke and light burden, and give rest to your soul.Remind Yourself there's No CoincidenceRomans 8:28“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28, ESV)In the face of rejection, we can remind ourselves of this truth. Our God is not a God of coincidence. He has a mastery of using every situation for the good of His children. People may intend to hurt you by this, but God would always use your rejection experience to affirm that he loves you, nonetheless. Though the devil meant to exploit our pains to cause us more harm, God outwits him to turn it for good.Are you facing rejection? Remind yourself of God's unalloyed love for you, and commitment to your good.You can give your hurts to God. Trade it for the unspeakable joy and tranquility he offers. When you give it to Him, God can make a masterpiece of your life's broken pieces. Remember, the adversary seeks whom to devour. Resist him byRemaining focused on your purposeLiving in and on His WordCasting your cares on Christ Jesus, andReminding yourself of God's promises.When we look at the big picture of our existence in God, we can embrace rejection, knowing fully well that God has all things figured out from before the beginning of time.

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