Lately I cannot help but notice people who have been rejected by their family members. I used to think I was alone in this, but I see people rejected by their own family all the time now. I like to think that in an ideal world, our family would be the first people to accept us and support us. I would like to think that family would be the first people at the finish line to cheer us on. I am not necessarily talking about immediate family. I am including all relatives in this generalization.
It hurts to be rejected, especially by your own flesh and blood. One of the people I look up to the most is Jesus Christ. He knew how to truly love and accept people, regardless of their flaws and he never turned anyone away from him. He had many many followers, but do you know who did not support him? His family and those from his homeland who had known him his entire life.
Jesus said, "Truly I tell you, no prophet is accepted in his hometown"(Luke 4:24). If Jesus who showed others love and forgiveness was rejected by his own people, how much more will we experience rejection from those around us. Jesus addressed this issue again saying,"A prophet is not without honor except in his own town, among his relatives and in his own home (Mark 6:4)." Though he is referring to a prophet, I believe this can be applicable to all of us who reach out to those around us, but are blatantly rejected.
I don't know how comforting this is to other people, but it does comfort me. Sometimes just knowing that I am not alone encourages me. It encourages me to know that if one of the greatest men to walk this planet was rejected, that I can endure being rejected too, even if it is from my own flesh and blood. So if you have been rejected by those closest to you, be encouraged. They don't know the pain they cause. They are most likely oblivious of it altogether. Know that you are not alone and that you have an adoptive family. They may not be blood, but your friends can become your family. Those who share your passions and interests and beliefs have become your family.
Therefore family no longer means your blood line, but those who love you and support you. That is your true family. Never take them for granted. Cherish the friendships you do have and know that being rejected isn't always a bad thing. Sometimes you can be rejected by the very people you do not need in your life. The ones that suck positive energy from you. Let them stay in their pool of negativism. You don't need that influence anyways. Regardless of the rejection you experience, don't ever give up. Keep being loving and being kind to those around you and you will be given what you deserve. For what you give, will be given back to you. "For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you (Matthew 7:2)." With all this being said, being rejected can actually turn into a blessing. Receive the blessing of rejection.
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