Many people struggle with fear—particularly the fear of rejection.

It’s hard for us to truly understand how unique and valuable we are to God. As a result, we become vulnerable to the fear of rejection, because we’re full of self-doubt. And that’s why sometimes when another person criticizes us, deep down inside we fear that they’re right. So it hurts even more.

 

For instance, if someone appears to be ignoring you at a party, you might say, “He must not like me!” But maybe that person was so focused on something else, that he just didn’t see you there. If we’re looking at life through the eyes of fear, we’re vulnerable to feeling rejected.

 

Here’s another thing: The effect of sin is always insecurity. The more we sin, the more insecure we become. That’s because we fear that people will see what we’ve been hiding and reject us, and perhaps stop loving us, because of our sin.

 

So what’s the antidote to the fear of rejection? Three things:

 

1. Let God take the first place in your life.

2. See the opinions of others with an eternal perspective.

3. Accept what God says about you.

 

The Bible says, “Yet you made [humans] inferior only to yourself; you crowned them with glory and honor” (Psalm 8:5 GNT). You were created by God, and God does not make anything he doesn’t love.

 

God created us, and he made us acceptable through Christ—not because of what we’ve done, but because of who God is.

 

The Bible tells us in Ephesians 1:4, “For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight” (NIV). Jesus Christ died on the cross, paid for all of our sins, and covered us with his love. God looks down at you and says, “You are acceptable.” All you have to do is accept what Jesus did for you.

 

Pastor, because God created you and Christ has made you acceptable, don’t worry about what other people say about you.

 

God is with you and he is for you. He will never leave you.