Bullying is an increasing problem, but it isn’t a new problem nor is it confined to schools. Social-media bullying is rampant; actually every area of life is vulnerable to the phenomenon of bullying. Businesses bully, politicians bully, police bully, minorities bully, families bully–and sadly, even Christians bully.
Bullying isn’t always violent, but it is always an attempt to control. It manipulates, pressures, shames and intimidates. It’s a learned behavior that destroys lives as it proclaims, “It’s all about ME!”
- Bullies want their own way more they want anything else.
- Bullies are bossy.
- Bullies demand their own way when they want it & how they want it.
Bullies act as if they are God.
But the truth is GOD IS NEVER a bully and yet His way is the only way.
As Christians, we have the answer to ending bullying, and we need to work at it! We can stop bullying…and the creation of bullies…by living as a child of the Most High God and helping others learn to do the same.
A World of Bullies
Self-centeredness and resentments are root causes of bullying in our world. Selfishness and unhealed, open wounds create bullies…and victims. Unforgiveness is poison to yourself and the world around you!
The answer for both self-centeredness and resentments is the same:
Jesus, the Healer….Jesus, the reconciler.
Bullying is not solved by becoming a bigger bully.
Bullying stops when we refuse to bully–and when we refuse to be bullied–the same WAY Jesus responded. Instead of taking offenses to heart and holding on to them, we must know who God is and who He created us (ourselves & our offenders) to be.
Victors not Victims
Knowing God as the Bible reveals Him to be gives us victorious courage. We can walk through life secure in His care. That does not mean we will never have trials. Learning to trust God enough to die to self is a daily (moment-by-moment) necessity.
Jesus is the Way…and if we look at His life, we see His earthly life ended by bullies. In America, that is not a common danger–though it is in some places and sometimes is true here. Jim Elliott, who gave His life that others would have life, speaks eloquently to that concern:
Finally, the cure to bullying is in knowing the value of every life. The King of Kings died on the cross for individuals–not the masses. He died not as a martyr but as a sacrifice with great purpose: destroy the works of the devil and re-open the Way to relationship with the Father in heaven. He gave His life that we would be able to live in union with God and others. Our lives flow with that power and purpose when He lives in us.
Victors over Bullying
- Victors want God’s way more they want anything else.
- Victors are humble and meek.
- Victors respect people’s right to choose.
- Victors bow before their God and enjoy His presence.
WE WANT TO HELP YOU, HELP CHILDREN BECOME VICTORS OVER BULLYING WITH – NO MORE BULLIES!
God NEVER bullies. He is humble, generous and good. His Way is the way to end bullying! Jesus is that Way! This brief powerpoint helps you discuss these deep truths with children. Let’s be part of building the solution.
Heartsong Ministries 