INTRO–‘Rejection Weighs You Down!’READ MATTHEW 26:36-38

Rejection is a part of life and it doesn’t feel good. This is mainly because with rejection comes the emotional feeling of being alone or cut off from supportive relationships you need in which to live this life. Loneliness-triggering events can include criticism, abuse, divorce, job loss, relocation, retirement, etc., but regardless of the source it can damage your confidence, shatter your self esteem, and ultimately ruin your chance to be a witness for Christ and experience his joy in your life. Like you, Jesus also knew and experienced rejection and can therefore speak life into your situation. Read Luke 4:24-27.

• Are you more of a people person or a loner? Why do you think that is?


• Have you ever been deserted or felt rejected by family members or friends in a time of need?


• What triggers the feelings on loneliness most often in your life? How do you combat that?

OUTCOME–Rejection Leads To Bondage

There are two types of rejection and the source of the first is caused by the rejection of your own ego by others, whether true or only perceived. This kind of rejection can come from friends, family, business partners, etc., but if not dealt with or handled from a God purpose lens will become baggage in your life. You also bring rejection upon yourself with bad attitudes or actions, but regardless it becomes a major source of pain, isolation and/or loneliness. Jesus, however, teaches that if you know the truth, the truth will set you free and it’s in living according to your relationship with Jesus that keeps you from the bondage or baggage of life’s rejections. Read John 8:32-33.

• Have you ever been the cause of rejection from someone by your own actions or perceptions? What happened?


• How much of your own self-esteem is tied to what people think of you? Is this a healthy level?

GOD’S PLAN–Lifts You UpREAD MATTHEW 11:28-30

The source of the second type of rejection is walking in the plans and purposes of God. You do have a cross to carry, an ultimate destiny wrapped up in the will of God. And as you begin to live out and fulfill those plans of God you will be rejected by others. However, this rejection is God’s to carry and if you begin to give it to Jesus he will lift you up and bring you to the places you are to go. God doesn’t want you to take the baggage that others would have you carry but to follow his will and his way and you will find rest for your soul.

• How does God’s plan for you life help you keep a right perspective on life and relationships?


• How do you rely on God and God’s plan as your support system for your life? Do you need to get back on God’s path?

LIVING IN FREEDOMREAD I JOHN 4:4

How do you get rid of the baggage of rejection and loneliness you have been carrying around? The first thing you need to do is ask God for forgiveness and allow God to give you peace. When you begin to surrender some of that baggage you will see that God wants to give you a second chance to live life in the freedom of God’s will and not in the burden the world wants to give. Finally, you need to surround yourself with the community of believers who will help you as you help them keep to God’s path.

• Do you believe God gives you a fresh start and a brand new day to live, each and every day?


• What baggage you need to do to begin surrendering to God’s plans for your life today?