Truth That Students Need To Hear

As a parent to two sons, this phrase causes me to shudder. 

'We don’t want you to sit here' - The thought of my boys hearing and feeling these words shakes my soul - and my Dad heart. I know that rejection is a part of life, one that we as adults face fairly frequently, even if we don’t notice it. But - knowing that rejection is a fact of life doesn't make our kids experiencing it any easier.

For a kid, rejection may be a new experience, one that brings feelings of confusion, anger, self-doubt, and sadness. When a teen or pre-teen yearns for love and acceptance but instead receives rejection, they can quickly learn to believe the lies forced on them about their value. 

As a Youth Pastor, adult Life Group leader or parents, we can help our teenagers face rejection and give them coping skills. I want to encourage you to take a step of vulnerability this week and share a personal story of rejection from your own life with your teenager, a friend, life group member, etc. - Sharing part of your story and helping them see that this is something you, too, had to work through forms a unique connection between you both. You are the most influential voice in your child's world and have an incredible opportunity to speak the truth while encouraging them to embrace their true identity in Christ!

Here are a few helpful verses about our identity in Christ to think about:

I Am Accepted: I have been bought with a price, and I belong to God (1 Cor 6:19-20, I am complete in Christ (Colo 2:9-10), I am God's child (John 1:12).

I Am Secure: I am assured that God works for my good in all circumstances (Rom 8:28), I am hidden with Christ in God, I am a citizen of heaven (Phili 3:20).

I am Significant: I have been chosen and appointed to bear fruit (John 15:16), I am God's workmanship (Eph 2:10), I am God's temple (1 Cor 3:16)

Takeaway:

This week, take the time to share a personal story about rejection and encourage your teen with one of the scriptures listed above. Speak the truth in love as you help them put perspective on the reality of rejection.

• Remind them who they are to God (loved, chosen, unique)
• Remind them who they are to you (qualities, characteristics, talents)
• Remind them who they are to themselves (special, full of potential, known)