Then the Jews stirred up the influential religious women and the leaders of the city, and they incited a mob against Paul and Barnabas and ran them out of town. So they shook the dust from their feet as a sign of rejection and went to the town of Iconium. And the believers were filled with joy and with the Holy Spirit. – Acts: 13: 50-52

Rejection is something we all face at some point in our lives.

We may be rejected by employers, social circles, or romantic partners.

But when people reject us because of our belief and commitment to Christ, Scripture tells us exactly how we should respond.

When Jesus sent His disciples out to preach the word, He gave them specific instructions:

If any household or town refuses to welcome you or listen to your message, shake its dust from your feet as you leave. I tell you the truth, the wicked cities of Sodom and Gomorrah will be better off than such a town on the judgment day. – Matthew 10: 14-15.

This is so profound.

Because in essence, Jesus was telling His disciples “You can’t change people’s hearts, so don’t try. Take your ‘L’ (loss) and keep it moving.”

And this is a lesson to us: Everyone is not going to respond positively to our kindness. Everyone is not going to listen to our testimony, and everyone is not going to be receptive to the love of Christ.

But we should understand that for every person who rejects us and the word of God, there are three or four other people willing to receive what we have to say.

The Apostles didn’t hang their heads and sulk in rejection when towns rejected them and the preaching of the Good News.

They did the opposite. They shook the dust from their feet as a sign of rejection of the people they were trying to minister to!

So when we are out in the world trying to obey the call to minister to those who don’t yet know Christ, we can’t be pushy.

There’s no need to argue with anyone about Jesus. If others are not open to receiving the Gospel, by all means, we should leave them alone and pray for them.

Because we don’t have the power to change anyone.

Only God, the Holy Spirit, and Jesus Christ can change the hearts of people.

Our only job is to plant seeds and provide support to those who choose to believe.

And God, who sees everything, will see our humility, strengthen us, and make us effective ministers for those who have the heart to listen to us.

Be blessed,

Alexia

Prayer: God, help me to understand that not everyone is going to be receptive to me and your word. Give me discernment so that I can know when it’s time to shake the dust from my feet and move on and when I should spend more time ministering to others. Help me to not take it personally when others reject your word and your Son. In Jesus’ Name, I pray, Amen.