Receiving the Rejected

“Away in a Manger” is a song that beautifully expresses a not-so-beautiful reality. The reality is that when our savior came to Earth, He experienced rejection. First His parents had to flee their country. Then when it was time for Jesus to be born, there was no room for them in the inn. I believe that it was no coincidence that one of the first things Jesus experienced was rejection. I believe it was setting the pace for His life to be able to relate to as many people as possible in a short period.

Rejected

So many people in the world have experienced rejection. There are two reasons why someone may not be welcomed by others.  One is if they are perceived as a threat. The second is if they are not perceived as valuable. The second one hurts much worse. When I was bad in class and got kicked out, I was not offended by the actions of my teacher. I knew I deserved it. But when I wrote a love letter to the girl of my dreams and she rejected me, I was crushed!     

   The Samaritan woman at the well, whom Jesus visited, is often put into the same category as the woman caught in the act of adultery. Notice the difference in the ways Jesus dealt with the two women. To the adulterous woman, He said, “Where are your accusers? No one is here to accuse you, and neither do I accuse you. Go and sin no more.” To the woman at the well, He asked her to do something for Him. She was not experiencing condemnation. She was experiencing rejection.    

   First of all, she was a Samaritan which is a rejected group of people from the Jews. Next, she was rejected by five husbands. Now the man she was with did not want to marry her. So many times we think the thing people need the most is for us to forgive the bad that they have done when what they really need is for someone to recognize the good they have to offer.

 Christian Character 

One of the most significant signs of a mature Christian is not to be able to forgive wrongs, it is to be able to acknowledge the rights. And especially to recognize the value in others who don’t do things the way you do them. The Apostle Paul referred to the church as the body of Christ. He said we are many members and all the members are important.    We all have strengths and weaknesses. We were designed that way by God so that we would be at our best when we worked together. There is nothing parents love more than to see their children getting along. 

Diamond in the Rough 

I challenge you to take a second look at those around you who seem less appealing to associate with. Instead of focusing on their annoying traits, try to locate their strengths. When you notice what they are good at, tell them you’ve noticed. To really stretch yourself, ask them to use that ability to help you. Like the woman at the well, they have likely not been asked for help in a long time. You seeing the value in them could change the whole trajectory of their life. 

Written By Mike Verdin