Rejection

As part of our Church plant, we have started new community groups. I must say our group is really coming together, really starting to care for one another, really starting to experience what Bridges calls true community. I am so encouraged. 

We are in the middle of a study called Gospel Centered Life, the study is one I have done on several occasions, but each time I get a little more from it. Our group is really opening up and really sharing and I think that is just wonderful, it is real growth.

We just completed a discussion of Mission. In the study the author defines mission as "anything that brings gospel-centered renewal/redemption to people, places and cultures." Our discussion was wide ranging and we admitted that while some will be called to missions in far away places, sometimes all our mission requires is for us to walk across the street. 

That lead to a heartfelt discussion on why we hold back. There were reasons, concerns and they were varied; however, there was one thing everyone could relate to: fear of rejection. We discussed the real need for building relationship, but the bottom line was we need to trust Christ more. 

It occurred to me that Christ didn’t fear rejection for us and as such we can remain confident, we can trust, we can be assured that Christ will never reject us. So there is no reason to fear the rejection of a neighbor, because Christ will never reject us...He will always be there for us and we should share in that comfort, that love, that acceptance, that good news. 

Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. 

Deuteronomy 31:6 

Grace and Peace!