We’ve all been turned down at some point in our lives, whether it was by a new love interest, a job application, or not being invited to a social event at church or with close friends. Whatever kind of rejection you’re dealing with, the fact remains that rejection hurts — and when you put your whole heart and soul into something only to be told “no,” it’s enough to make anyone want to stop trying — for anything.
What Does the Bible Say About rejection?
The Bible says a lot about rejection, but John 1:11-12 is the most famous input of scriptures on rejection, and it says, “He came unto his own, and his own received him not. But as many as received him…”
This means that you aren’t immune to rejection and that God expects you to be rejected at some point in your life especially if you are His child.
John 15:18 says, “If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.”
V. 12 says, “But as many as received him…,” this means that not all people will reject you; there are persons God will send into your life to comfort, help, and to love you unconditionally.
But you will need to lean on God for this to happen.
Not everybody liked Jesus, but yet, many people, (like me and you), love and have received Him into our hearts and lives.
Rejection is Part of Life
Don’t waste your life and time going about and wishing everyone will like you – it’s not going to happen.
Rejection is an inevitable part of life, and the sooner you recognize it, the less time you’ll waste in agony. Here are a few scriptures that speak to it:
Bible Verses About Rejection
Rejection can be excruciatingly painful and debilitating, and it can linger for a long time. It is, however, a part of life that we must work through. We may even come out of rejection stronger once we trust God, here are a few scriptures on rejection.
John 15:18
If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. (NIV)
Psalm 27:10
Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close. (NLT)
John 1:11
He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. (NIV)
John 15:25
But this is to fulfill what is written in their Law: ‘They hated me without reason. (NIV)
1 Peter 5:8
Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour. (NKJV)
1 Corinthians 15:26
The last enemy to be destroyed is death. (ESV)
Psalm 41:7
All who hate me whisper about me, imagining the worst. (NLT)
Psalm 118:22
The stone that the builders rejected has now become the cornerstone. (NLT)
Isaiah 53:3
He was hated and rejected; his life was filled with sorrow and terrible suffering. No one wanted to look at him. We despised him and said, “He is a nobody!”
Healing Scriptures for Rejection
Leaning on God is the best way to deal with rejection, Psalm 27:10 says, “Even if my father and mother abandon me, the Lord will hold me close.”
You see, the Lord has always had your back, and you can trust Him to always be with you even when men and folks close to you turn you away.
Perhaps you have suffered from rejection, you are broken, feel alone and you need the Lord to heal you. If so, these lovey healing scriptures for rejection will help you to heal quickly.
1 Peter 2:4
As you come to him, the living Stone—rejected by humans but chosen by God and precious to him. (KJV)
2 Corinthians 12:9
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. (KJV)
Isaiah 49:15
Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! (KJV)
Luke 10:16
Whoever listens to you listens to me; whoever rejects you rejects me, but whoever rejects me rejects him who sent me. (KJV)
Psalm 27:10
Though my father and mother forsake me, the LORD will receive me. (KJV)
Psalm 37:4
Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you the desires of your heart. (KJV)
Psalm 94:14
For the LORD will not reject his people; he will never forsake his inheritance. (KJV)
Psalm 118:22
The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. KJV)
Psalm 34:17-20
When his people pray for help, he listens and rescues them from their troubles. The Lord is there to rescue all who are discouraged and have given up hope. The Lord’s people may suffer a lot, but he will always bring them safely through. Not one of their bones will ever be broken. (CEV)
Romans 15:13
I pray that God, who gives hope, will bless you with complete happiness and peace because of your faith. And may the power of the Holy Spirit fill you with hope. (CEV)
Romans 8:1
If you belong to Christ Jesus, you won’t be punished. (CEV)
Deuteronomy 14:2
You have been set apart as holy to the Lord your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure. (NLT)
Final Though on Rejection
Unfortunately, rejection is something that none of us can truly avoid; it will almost certainly happen to us at some point in our lives. It happens to everyone, including Jesus.
But you can lean on God when folks turn you away, God is always there for you, and the Bible reminds us that He is our present help in times of need. Psalm 46:1 says, “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”