Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you. -- Romans 15:7 (NIV)
Have you ever felt rejected? You’re definitely not alone. In the book of Genesis, we read about Joseph and how he was rejected by people throughout his life. As a young man, his brothers threw him into a pit and sold him as a slave, and then when he was older, he was framed for a crime against his boss’s wife. Yet even after he was betrayed by his own flesh and blood, sold as a slave, and experienced unfair suffering and anguish, he still maintained his integrity and faith. To top it off, he not only reconciled with his brothers, he blessed them abundantly! It’s only because of Joseph’s great faith that he could continue to love God and not become bitter and full of self-pity.
Most of us haven’t experienced that level of rejection in our lives, yet we’ve all dealt with it. While rejection strips us of joy, it does something else as well. It gives us the opportunity to reach down into the depths of our souls and decide to believe God loves us.
Throughout the New Testament we see examples of acceptance. Jesus washed feet (John 13), touched lepers (Matthew 8:3), ate with sinners (Mark 2:15-17), and displayed unlimited patience for the unlovable (Hebrews 12:3). Paul, who murdered those who followed the teachings of Jesus right up until he had an encounter with God, went on to tell the church in Romans 15:7 to “accept one another just as Christ has accepted you.”
Just like Paul, we were once lost but now we’re saved. When we invited Jesus into our lives, He accepted us as sons and daughters in His family, and no one can change that. We have the gift of fellowship and friendship with others who love the Lord.
God knew we would deal with rejection, so He gave us a verse to remind us He will never leave us: “For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:38-39).
We may occasionally flounder when we feel rejected, but being anchored in the love of Jesus is our greatest calling. Trusting God to guard your heart is the best security possible. He loves you no matter what, because you are forever and always family.
Prayer
Thank You Lord for always accepting me and extending grace toward me. Help me to bring my struggles and disappointments to You that I might have the mind of Christ. Thank You for the provision for me to be part of Your family. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
For Further Study
- John 15:12–13; Romans 8:35; Hebrews 4:15–16
-- Mallory Bassham
Taken from Created to Be, a Gateway devotion.
