Becoming a Person of WelcomeSample

Rejected in Hospitality

We are often excited to share with others. It could be a good recipe or a referral to a reputable doctor for assistance. We enjoy being people who help others. Yet sometimes, our help is unwelcome and rejected. And sometimes, this rejection feels like a rejection of ourselves. It especially hurts when this rejection is from those who know us.

Today’s Scripture reading includes a time when the good things of Jesus were rejected by those who knew him. In his hometown, he was healing people and performing miracles. The people rejected him so much that they prevented Jesus from being able to heal more people. This painful reality also led Jesus to offer his disciples wisdom on what to do when rejected.

Our tendency, when rejected, is to self-protect so that we are not hurt again. It makes sense that we would do this. Yet Jesus offers us wisdom and ways forward of how to respond to rejection. There is also the opportunity to grieve what is lost when gifts are rejected. Jesus was unable to perform many miracles due to the people's rejection. That is something to grieve, and we can grieve what is lost, move forward with wisdom, and find our way to places of welcome so that we can serve.

When have others rejected your gifts?

What are the ways you have been able to express your grief to God for what was lost?