Contributor: Marian
Scriptures:
Psalm 139 Psalm 19:14 John 1:10-12 John 15:15 2 Corinthians 5:20-21
Before we can fully understand the blessing of Acceptance, we need also to look at the pain of Rejection. These two opposing forces each have the power to make or break us, especially when experienced during our formative childhood years.
Everyone needs to feel accepted by family and friends but sadly we live in an imperfect world where rejection, abuse, addiction and dysfunctional family life can bring experiences that have the potential to affect the way we behave throughout our lives. I’m presently reading a book entitled, ‘Rejection’ by Steve Hepden. Steve lists many reasons why rejection is such a serious problem. He also lists the ways in which it can affect how we view ourselves and how we relate to others. The roots of rejection go deep and in some people it can bring forth damaged fruit that can manifest in self-hatred, addiction, and even suicide. In others, it may lead to aggressive behaviour, anger, self-justification, rebellion, pride and spitefully rejecting others.
Jesus fully understands rejection. He experienced it throughout His earthly life, even though He was the only perfect sinless man who ever lived. Yet despite all He went through, He came through victorious. Therefore, He is able to turn around the most damaged lives. He is our Saviour, Healer, Restorer, Brother, King and Friend. He is our answer to finding the strength to overcome the damage caused by rejection, and to replace it with acceptance in Him.
John 1:11-12 says,
“(Jesus) came to His own, and His own did not receive Him. But as many as received Him, to them He gave the right to become children of God”
Several years ago I remember singing a song by Rob Hayward, Kingsway Thank You Music:
I’m accepted, I’m forgiven
I am fathered by the true and living God
I’m accepted, no condemnation
I am loved by the true and living God
Such affirming words of acceptance always filled me with joy and hope, especially when I realised that this acceptance was not only for me, but for everyone who turns to Him to receive full Forgiveness and Acceptance. Very sadly, many never turn to Him, but we can continue to reach out to them, and pray that one day they will, maybe through our own testimony and witness.
The truth is that even if the whole world rejects us, we can always find acceptance in Christ who was willing to give up EVERYTHING in order to secure our salvation. We can find no greater love and acceptance than we find in Jesus, who says,
“No longer do I call you servants, for a servant does not know what his master is doing; but I have called you friends…...” (John 15:15)
What a wonderful Friend we have in Jesus who promises He will send Holy Spirit to comfort, help, protect and strengthen us so that we can overcome rejection, both past and present, and so that we can fully know His acceptance.
Prayer: Thank You Jesus that my past does not define who I am today. In You I can know the joy of full Acceptance, and find strength to rise up on eagle’s wings and fly above all circumstances of this life. In You I place my trust. Amen