DEALING WITH REJECTION IN WITNESSING
OCTOBER 12, 2024
TEXT:Luke 10:10-11
“But into whatsoever city ye enter, and they receive you not, go your ways out into the streets of the same, and say, ‘Even the very dust of your city, which cleaveth on us, we do wipe off against you: notwithstanding be ye sure of this, that the kingdom of God is come nigh unto you.'”
In our attempts to obey the instructions of our Lord Jesus Christ in carrying out the Great Commission, it is certain that we will face rejection, as not everyone will be inclined to listen to or accept our message. However, Jesus has prepared us for this and provided a clue on how to handle such situations whenever we experience them.We live in a heterogeneous world where people have different cultures, practices, opinions, and beliefs; thus, it is challenging to impose a particular opinion on others. When going out to the mission field, one thing you should expect as the major and most common challenge is rejection. However, we must not let it deter us from proceeding with our assignment.When Jesus sent out His disciples on the Great Commission in the above passage, He forewarned them of potential challenges they might experience during their assignment. He discussed rejection and guided them on how to respond when it happens. Essentially, He prepared their hearts to understand that they would not enjoy acceptability in every home or locality they visited.
KEY TAKE-HOME POINTS ON REJECTION DURING EVANGELISM
1. Don’t take it personally: Understand that the work is not yours, and if anyone rejects the gospel, it is not you but Christ who is being rejected. So, do not get heartbroken or depressed when someone rejects your attempts. Expect it to happen and plan accordingly.
2. Endure: When facing rejection during evangelism, persevere and avoid physical confrontation or quarrels with the concerned party. Recognize that everyone has their opinions, and you are not the Holy Spirit who convicts souls.
3. Pray and ask God for strength to cope always
4. Interact with supportive believers and evangelists and learn from their strategies to overcome past challenges (Acts 4:23-31).
5. Never let rejection affect your Great Commission mandate. Remember your primary duty is to spread the gospel (*_Matthew 28:18-20)
….To be continued
SEARCHLIGHT: Rejection in evangelism is inevitable. We cannot stop it. However, Christ Jesus is our motivation, and through His life, He has encouraged us to persevere and trust Him in carrying out our assignment.
PRAYER: O Lord, let Your grace keep me at peace in times of rejection, in Jesus’ mighty name.
BIBLE READING: Lamentations 2-4, Matthew 13
PST. MICHAEL OMOLE
