I Fear Being Rejected

From Keep It Simple by Marie Aitkin on YouVersion

John 4:39-42 ESV – Many Samaritans from that town believed in him because of the woman’s testimony, “He told me all that I ever did.” So when the Samaritans came to him, they asked him to stay with them, and he stayed there two days. And many more believed because of his word. They said to the woman, “It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves, and we know that this is indeed the Savior of the world.”

Possibly the most intimidating barrier to sharing our stories is fear of rejection. In John 4, we read that many but not all the people who heard the woman’s story believed and decided to follow Jesus themselves. Fear of rejection is the toughest obstacle to overcome because it can knock your confidence and deter you from giving it another go when opportunities arise. A no, a bad experience, or simply the fear of a bad experience can stop you from ever speaking.

John 15:18 ESV –  “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you.

Let’s not sugarcoat the issue: At some point, you will be rejected. Surveys indicate that one in three people are open to an encounter with Jesus, but that means two out of three aren’t. Jesus was repeatedly rejected during His time on earth – by His disciples, by His own brothers, by the people of His hometown, by the religious leaders of the day, and ultimately by the bloodthirsty crowd who called for His crucifixion.

Luke 9:5-6 ESV – And wherever they do not receive you, when you leave that town shake off the dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” And they departed and went through the villages, preaching the gospel and healing everywhere.

Jesus accepted rejection as part of His ministry and taught His disciples how to handle it when they faced it: ‘If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.’ In other words, eagerly look for opportunities to tell your story, ready to shake it off when rejection comes your way.

Isaiah 35:4 ESV – Say to those who have an anxious heart, “Be strong; fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance, with the recompense of God. He will come and save you.”

Remember, when someone rejects your invitation, they’re not rejecting you. Your friendship is still intact. Respect their decision and move on. Be prepared to say, “Thank you for listening” instead of instinctively getting confrontational or abruptly leaving. Then, carry on your conversation on a more mutually agreeable topic.

Instead of fearing that people will reject you, accept it, and prepare for it. That way, it doesn’t catch you off guard and you’re more likely to be able to graciously shake it off. And again: engage with people gently and respectfully. Our non-Christian friends should know that we love and esteem them.

John 14:27 ESV –  Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled, neither let them be afraid.

As you prepare to share your story, may you be ready for any possible outcomes. Don’t let fear paralyse you from taking part in the great commission. Jesus has given you the authority to go – so, go. You have a story to tell of a life transformed. You have hope for the hopeless and a story of finding security when so many around you are drowning in doubt. And only you are uniquely positioned to reach the people in your world. May you know that you’re equipped to share your story with clarity, confidence, and conviction. Just keep it simple.