How to Deal w/Your Emotions (Rejections)

How to Overcome Rejection and Find Freedom in Christ

In a world where acceptance seems to be the currency of happiness, rejection can feel like a devastating blow to our sense of self-worth. Yet, as believers, we are called to understand and overcome rejection in ways that align with God's truth rather than our fleeting emotions. Let's explore how we can deal with rejection and find true freedom in Christ.

Understanding the Nature of Rejection
Rejection comes from three primary sources: the devil, people, and life experiences. It's crucial to recognize that experiencing rejection is not a reflection of our value or lovability. In fact, the Bible tells us in 1 Corinthians 1:27-28 that God often chooses the very things and people the world rejects:
"But God chose the foolish things of the world to shame the wise; God chose the weak things of the world to shame the strong. God chose the lowly things of this world and the despised things—and the things that are not—to nullify the things that are."
This passage reminds us that our worth is not determined by worldly standards or acceptance, but by God's unfailing love for us.

The Emotional Impact of Rejection
Rejection can wound our spirit deeply. Proverbs 18:14 says, "The spirit of a man will sustain him in sickness, but who can bear a broken spirit?" This invisible pain can lead to disconnection, emptiness, and a sense of being lost. It can distort our true identity, cause confusion, and make us guarded in our relationships.  However, it's essential to recognize that our emotions, while valid, should not be the driving force of our lives. As believers, we are called to live by truth rather than feelings. Our self-esteem and identity should be rooted in who God says we are, not in the opinions or actions of others.

Overcoming Rejection: Practical Steps
1. Remember Your Worth: Romans 8:35-39 reminds us that nothing can separate us from God's love. Not rejection, not persecution, not even death. We are more than conquerors through Christ.
2. Don't Take Rejection Personally: Jesus Himself was rejected, yet He didn't allow it to define Him. John 15:18-19 tells us that if the world hates us, it hated Him first. Our rejection often stems from our alignment with Christ, not our personal failings.
3. Reframe Rejection as Protection and Preparation: What feels like rejection might actually be God's way of protecting or preparing us for something greater. Consider the story of Joseph in Genesis 50:20. His brothers' rejection led to his ultimate purpose and promotion.
4. Develop Spiritual Immunity: Mature in your faith so that your life is based on truth, not fleeting emotions. 2 Corinthians 5:17 reminds us that in Christ, we are new creations. Our past rejections do not define our future.
5. Violently Oppose Rejection: When feelings of rejection arise, actively resist them. Speak God's truth over your life. Use the authority given to you in Christ to reject the spirit of rejection.

The Spiritual Battle Behind Rejection
It's crucial to understand that rejection often opens doors to demonic influence in our lives. The enemy seeks to use rejection to keep us bound, arrested in our development, and unable to fulfill God's purpose for our lives. This is why it's so important to actively fight against these feelings with the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit.  We must recognize that we're in a spiritual battle. Ephesians 6:12 reminds us, "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

Finding Freedom in Christ
True freedom comes when we align our identity with who God says we are, rather than basing it on the acceptance or rejection of others. Here's a powerful declaration to speak over yourself:
"I renounce the spirit of rejection that has been attacking my mind, will, and emotions. I uproot every seed of rejection sown by past hurts and negative experiences. I break every chain of loneliness, isolation, and disappointment. I declare that I am free from every heart wound. Rejection no longer controls my emotions or determines my identity. I see myself as God sees me – a joint heir with Christ, loved, accepted, and valued."
Remember, your emotions are real, but they're not always truthful. Ground yourself in God's unchanging love and acceptance. As Romans 8:37 declares, "In all these things we are more than conquerors through him who loved us."

A Call to Action
As we conclude, let's challenge ourselves to actively oppose rejection when it shows up in our lives. Don't passively accept it; instead, use the authority you have in Christ to reject its influence. Go back to those moments of rejection in your mind, and with the power of the Holy Spirit, walk out of them. Declare your freedom and refuse to be bound by past hurts or current challenges.  In a world that seems increasingly chaotic and rejecting, we as believers have the opportunity to stand firm in our identity in Christ. We can be beacons of God's love and acceptance, extending to others the same grace we've received.

Let's commit to seeing ourselves and others through God's eyes, rejecting the lies of unworthiness, and embracing the fullness of life that Christ offers. As we do, we'll find ourselves walking in a freedom that no earthly rejection can shake – the freedom of being fully known, fully loved, and fully accepted by the Creator of the universe.
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