Dealing with Rejection: A Biblical Perspective

Scripture Focus:
"The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. The Lord has done this, and it is marvelous in our eyes." – Psalm 118:22

It's one of the hardest things we all face. Rejection is one of the deepest wounds a human heart can experience. Whether it’s from family, friends, coworkers, or society at large, rejection can leave us feeling unworthy and forgotten. When it comes, we just want to escape as quickly as possible. Recently, I experienced rejection on nearly every front. At first, I was blindsided—angry, hurt, and overwhelmed.

But God is faithful. His Word says to lean on Him, and that’s what I did. It wasn't easy. There have been many, many tears. Many questions. Many "why's?". Over time, He has helped me release the emotions, even though many of my circumstances remain much the same. In this season of seclusion and loneliness, I’ve discovered something powerful: God has taught me to rely on Him and Him alone.

People will fail us. Even the church is filled with imperfect sinners, just like me. But God never fails. In Him, rejection becomes redirection toward deeper trust and greater intimacy with the One who will never leave us nor forsake us (Hebrews 13:5).

I have found comfort in the fact that rejection is a rather common theme in the Bible. Scripture shows us that rejection is not the end of the story- it often becomes the very soil where God plants His purpose. Throughout the Bible, many faithful men and women experienced rejection, but instead of it defining them, God used it to refine them.

Examples of Rejection in the Bible

1. Joseph (Genesis 37-50)
Joseph was rejected by his own brothers, sold into slavery, and falsely accused. Yet, in every low moment, he clung to God’s presence. Later, he declared to his brothers: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good. Genesis 50:20
Joseph knew rejection deeply. His own brothers despised him because of his father’s favor and the dreams God gave him. Out of jealousy, they threw him into a pit, sold him into slavery, and allowed their father to believe he was dead. In Egypt, Joseph was faithful to God, but again faced rejection—falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife and thrown into prison, forgotten by those he helped.

Yet through every season of betrayal and abandonment, Joseph clung to God’s presence. The Bible says, “But the Lord was with Joseph and showed him steadfast love.” Genesis 39:21. Even in the darkest places, God was preparing Joseph for something greater.

Years later, Joseph rose to become second in command of Egypt, saving nations—including his own family—from famine. When he finally faced his brothers again, he could have taken revenge. Instead, Joseph offered forgiveness and perspective, declaring: “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good, to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” Genesis 50:20.

Lesson: Joseph’s story reminds us that rejection does not cancel God’s calling. What others mean for harm, God can use for His glory and for our growth.

2. Moses (Exodus 2-3)
Moses’ life began with rejection—Pharaoh’s order condemned all Hebrew baby boys to death, and his mother was forced to hide him in a basket on the Nile. By God’s providence, he was rescued and raised in Pharaoh’s household.

As a grown man, Moses felt the pull of his Hebrew identity. One day, seeing an Egyptian mistreating a Hebrew slave, he stepped in and killed the Egyptian. Instead of being thanked, Moses was met with scorn. One of his fellow Hebrews sneered at him: “Who made you ruler and judge over us?” Exodus 2:14. Rejected by his own people and hunted by Pharaoh, Moses fled to Midian, where he spent forty years in obscurity.

Yet rejection wasn’t the end of his story. In the wilderness, God appeared to Moses in the burning bush (Exodus 3) and called him back to Egypt—not as a prince or a fugitive, but as God’s chosen deliverer. Though Moses doubted his ability and feared further rejection, God assured him: “I will be with you.” Exodus 3:12. Lesson: Even if people reject you, God’s calling remains.

3. David (1 Samuel 16-30)
David’s journey was marked by rejection long before he became king. When the prophet Samuel came to Jesse’s house to anoint the next king of Israel, David wasn’t even invited into the lineup. His own father overlooked him, leaving him in the fields to tend sheep (1 Samuel 16:11). Yet it was David, the youngest and least expected, whom God had chosen.

Later, after defeating Goliath and earning the praise of Israel, David faced bitter rejection from King Saul. Saul’s jealousy turned into hatred, and he hunted David down like a criminal. David fled for his life, hiding in caves, cut off from home, family, and security. At one of his lowest points, the Bible says, “David was greatly distressed … but David strengthened himself in the Lord his God.” 1 Samuel 30:6.

Even in seasons of rejection, David refused to take matters into his own hands. Twice he had the opportunity to kill Saul and end his suffering, but he chose instead to honor God’s timing (1 Samuel 24, 26). Though rejected by men, David clung to God as his refuge and source of identity.
Lesson: When others push you away, God draws you near.

4. Jeremiah (Jeremiah 20:7-10)
Jeremiah was called as a prophet at a young age, chosen by God to speak His truth to Judah in a time of great rebellion. But instead of being celebrated, Jeremiah was met with ridicule, rejection, and hostility. He was mocked, beaten, and even imprisoned for proclaiming God’s Word (Jeremiah 20:2).

At one point, Jeremiah poured out his pain before God, saying: “I am ridiculed all day long; everyone mocks me.” Jeremiah 20:7. The rejection he faced was so heavy that he even considered staying silent. Yet God’s Word burned within him like fire, and he could not hold it in (Jeremiah 20:9).

Though he felt alone and rejected, Jeremiah learned to trust that God was with him. He declared with faith: “But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail.” Jeremiah 20:11. Lesson: Even in rejection, God’s Word sustains us.

5. Jesus (John 1:11; Mark 6:4)
No one understood rejection more deeply than Jesus. The very Son of God, who came to save the world, was not received by His own people. “He came to His own, and His own did not receive Him” John 1:11.

In His hometown of Nazareth, those who had watched Him grow up dismissed Him: they scoffed “Isn’t this the carpenter?” Mark 6:3. Instead of honoring Him, they took offense at Him. Jesus Himself said, “A prophet is not without honor except in his own town.” Mark 6:4.

The rejection did not stop there. The religious leaders opposed Him. Crowds that once shouted “Hosanna!” later cried, “Crucify Him!” On the cross, He bore not only the rejection of men but also the weight of sin itself. Isaiah foretold of Him: “He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain.” Isaiah 53:3.

Yet, Jesus’ rejection was the doorway to our acceptance with God. Through His death and resurrection, those who believe in Him are no longer cast aside but welcomed as children of God (John 1:12).
Lesson: If Jesus was rejected, we should not be surprised when we face it. But like Him, we can rise above it through God’s love.

How They Dealt With Rejection

• They leaned on God’s presence. Joseph trusted God in prison. David strengthened himself in the Lord.

• They kept obeying God’s call. Moses returned to Egypt despite past rejection.

• They poured out their hearts honestly. Jeremiah lamented but still declared God’s Word.

• They trusted God’s bigger plan. Jesus endured the cross, knowing the joy set before Him.

Rejection will come, but it does not define you- God does. Rejection can redirect us into God’s perfect plan. It reminds us that our worth is not in people’s approval but in God’s eternal love. I am taking this to the bank- because once this is all done I cannot wait to see what's next!

Prayer
"Heavenly Father, thank You for showing us through Scripture that rejection is not the end but often the beginning of Your greater purpose. Help me to lean on Your presence when I feel cast aside. Teach me to trust that You are working all things for my good. May I remember that even Jesus was rejected, yet through His sacrifice, I am forever accepted in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen."