HOW TO DEAL WITH HATE AND REJECTIONS

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Life often presents us with situations of rejection, misunderstanding, and even hate. At times, these moments can feel overwhelming, causing pain and a sense of isolation. However, the Bible teaches us that through these difficult moments, God remains with us. The story of Joseph, the “but God” moments in the New Testament, and other scriptural teachings remind us that even in the darkest times, God’s presence can turn rejection into victory.

If you’re ever searching for motivation or a glimpse of hope in the face of rejection or despair, look for the phrase “but God” throughout the Bible. Each time you come across these words, you will witness how God transformed moments of despair into triumph.

Take, for example, Joseph’s life. In Genesis 37:3-5, Joseph’s brothers hated him because of his dreams. Their hate led to his rejection and abandonment. But in Acts 7:9-10, we see that “God was with him.” Joseph faced countless rejections—being sold into slavery, falsely accused, and imprisoned—but God never abandoned him. Instead, God used Joseph’s circumstances for good.

In every rejection, trouble, or difficulty you face, God is with you. When you are rejected or hurt, God feels it too because He is committed to you. He dwelt in you. In Hebrews 13:5 and Deuteronomy 31:6, we are reassured by His promise: “I will never leave you nor forsake you.” This verse is not just an encouragement; it’s a fact. When you feel like you’re not winning in life, know that God feels that with you. But His focus is on your spiritual well-being, which is of eternal value.

When the people of Israel rejected Samuel’s leadership in 1 Samuel 8:7, God told Samuel that it was not Samuel they were rejecting—it was God. This shows that when rejection comes, it is often rooted in people’s relationship with God, not with us. Understanding this can give us peace when facing opposition.

In Genesis 37:4, Joseph’s brothers hated him because their father loved him more. Hate is a terrible and destructive force, and it often stems from jealousy or misunderstandings. It can turn into rejection, which is exactly what happened to Joseph. His own family cast him away.

Hate can manifest in different ways today as well, even within the Church or among fellow believers. Sometimes, when disagreements arise or corrections are made, people mistake it for a lack of love. But true love, especially in a Christian context, involves correction when necessary.

When addressing errors, especially public ones, it’s important to do so with love and the desire for truth. Imagine a Muslim preaching about Jesus Christ not being the Savior in a public setting. If that happens, you don’t need to argue with him. Instead, preach also the truth. So that those who are listening can benefit.

However, many people equate correction with a lack of love. In today’s world, it is common to see someone take offense when corrected. But like Joseph’s brothers, rejection often comes when love is misunderstood or overlooked.

If anyone understands rejection and hate, it is the Lord Jesus Christ. In John 1:1, 1 Peter 2:4, and Isaiah 53:3, we see that Christ, the very Word of God, was “despised and rejected by men.” Even His own brothers didn’t believe in Him, as John 7:5 tells us. Yet, Christ endured and overcame rejection because He knew His identity in God. This brings us to the remedy for dealing with rejection: knowing your position in Christ.

The key to overcoming hate and rejection is understanding who you are in Christ. Acts 7:9 emphasizes that Joseph was able to overcome hate and rejection because God was with him. When God is with you, rejection cannot defeat you.

Joseph’s journey from the pit to the palace is a testimony of how God can turn even the harshest rejections into a platform for His purpose. While Joseph was in prison, he could have easily succumbed to bitterness, recalling the betrayal of his brothers, the false accusations against him, and the years of being forgotten. But Joseph remained faithful to God, and God remained faithful to him.

In Genesis 41:15-16, we see Joseph’s unwavering faith in God. He never left his trust in God, and God never left His faithfulness to Joseph. Psalm 105:17-19 reveals that Joseph was tortured during his imprisonment, yet he remained steadfast. This perseverance in faith, even in the face of rejection and suffering, is what ultimately led to his promotion and vindication.

In moments of hurt and rejection, remember this simple prayer: “I can’t heal it, Lord, but You can.” God is the only one capable of healing the deep wounds caused by rejection. When we surrender our pain to Him, we allow His grace to work in our lives, transforming our hurts into hope and victory.

Hate and rejection are painful realities we will all face at some point in life. Whether it comes from family, friends, or even within the Church, the feelings of being cast aside can deeply wound us. But in every moment of rejection, God is with us. Like Joseph, we can overcome these trials by staying committed to God, knowing that He will never leave us nor forsake us. All may leave, but not Him. He dwell in us.

Christ’s example shows us that even the most severe rejection can be turned into triumph when we know our identity in God. By maintaining faith in God’s presence and purpose, we can deal with rejection and hate, allowing God to work through our trials to bring about His victory in our lives.