Today I am praying for people who are currently experiencing rejection. There are two types of rejection – covert (passive) and overt (active).

An example of covert rejection is what Joseph and Mary experienced in Bethlehem when “there was no room for them in the inn” (Luke 2:7). The innkeeper did not know Joseph and Mary and did not actively reject them. The inn was full. The town of Bethlehem was overcrowded with people. There was simply no vacancy. He did not reject them because they were Jewish. He did not know the Savior of the world was about to be born.

An example of overt rejection would be what Joseph (in the Old Testament) experienced when his brothers threw him into that pit and sold him to the Midianite traders (Genesis 37:18-36). They wanted him dead (at first) and then decided to sell him into slavery. They wanted him out of their sight. They overtly / actively rejected him. They wanted to never see or hear from him again. Jumping ahead, the egg on their face came later.

We experience both types of rejection. Both are painful. When a person rejects you covertly (passively), they may not know what they have done. They are so absorbed in their life and their plans and their goals they are oblivious to the pain they have inflicted. It is no less painful.

However, when a person rejects you overtly (actively), they know exactly what they are doing. They are seeking to inflict as much pain as possible. People who overtly reject other people have one or more of several possible illnesses working out from the inside. It could be:

• Jealousy
• Prejudice
• Inferiority
• Immorality
• Immaturity (just to name a few)

They could even be suffering from an undetected physical illness. The way they can feel better about themselves is to reject another person. They are living out the adage, “misery loves company.” They are miserable and want others to feel miserable as well. In their twisted thinking, if they can hurt another person, they can have a few minutes of relief. However, the relief is short-lived. They will need to look for another person to reject to get another fix. They will remain in their sickness until they get some professional help.

Just remember, if you are a child of God through a personal relationship with Jesus Christ, you have been accepted by the One who really counts. Paul the Apostle reminds us in Ephesians 1:6, we have been “accepted in the Beloved.” Because of what Jesus has done and is doing for us, we have been accepted with unconditional acceptance. Stop and meditate on that truth for a few moments.

Pray for your rejecter and even thank the Lord for them in light of Matthew 5:11-12. As you do so, for sure walk on in victory today knowing you have been “accepted in the Beloved.” Do not let Scrooge spoil your Christmas.

Have a great day!