Understanding Rejection as Opportunity
by Jack Partridge
One of peoples’ greatest witnessing fears is not just rejection, but outright hostility. Research and my own experience show these types of hostile people make up a very small percentage of the population. But if you do happen to run into one of these people that are just waiting to bite your head off, there are two very important things that you need to keep in mind.
- It’s probably not about you
We use this phrase to refer to your standing before God, but it is often true when it comes to other peoples’ reactions. A person’s reaction to your witness is probably the result of some hurtful experience in life. When confronted with this type of blast, one of my seminary professors used to respond by saying, “Tell me about that?” This is actually a very good question to ask if done in the right spirit that could lead to a substantial witnessing opportunity and an opportunity for healing.
- They need Jesus, and you, despite their reaction
Lost people will act like lost people, so don’t let it surprise you. There is no limit to what the human heart is capable of in the absence of the Holy Spirit. But your witness can still bring them a little closer to faith in Christ. Many people have been blasted like this (including me!) only to find out later that the person gave their heart to Christ!
