The real fact is bullying has led to many tragic deaths. Kids in school can be cruel , mean and full of hate. If your different in anyway . You don't fit into the click of jocks ,pretty girls. If you are poor , have a disability ,are overweight , too skinny , whatever it maybe , the words,taunts and sometimes physical violence can overwhelm a child. Leading to depression and in some cases , suicide. Plus the scars of the words and physical abuse,can last a life time.
It has been said , sticks and stones can break my bones but names will never hurt me. But we all know that is not true. Words can bring healing or destroy. Anyone who has suffered from being bullied can still recall the words that were said years after . I still remember being tormented about being short and numerous other taunts. Both my brother and brother-in-law suffered far greater . My brother was even taunted by teachers.The sad part as well most are bullied into silence.With parents not knowing until its too late sometimes.
It can happen even in Christian circles. In churches you can see clicks happen . Although there may not be open verbal abuse , we all know the look at those that don't fit into our little click . These type of attitudes have no place in a believers life.
As a image bearer of God , all humans have value. God knitted each person together in the womb. To bully is to hate an image bearer of God . One of the things that must mark a follower of Christ is love.
[12] “This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.
(John 15:12 ESV)
Christians need to take no part in this within the fellowship . Love has to mark how we deal with each other . Young and old , rich and poor.
[39] And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
(Matthew 22:39 ESV)
When dealing with unbelievers we need to love them as ourselves. Bullying is a complete slap in the face of God . When one participates in this heinous act, you are hating what God has created.
What would have happened if someone had shown that little girl love.Had stood up for her and made her feel protected ?Her parents did not know ,sadly. May we watch what we say about others and if we are ever encounter bullying , don't be silent.Because as a Christian , and believing humans are created in the image of God , we have the best message against it . It all starts with the gospel.
1 comment:
Bullies are cowards who always seem to run in packs. They drag everybody else in, around them. Don't follow their lead. Demeaning some one else, to make ourselves feel superior, is sinful. As you said, when we demean others we demean God.
You may think you're going after somebody who can't fight back but God can and will hold you accountable. Feel better about yourself, now? Slightly more scary, isn't it.
It takes something like 10 compliments to recover from 1 insult. It is a big deal. Just remember, all those insults, as a child, were not from the mouth of God but from a fallible, sinful human being. So, they aren't full of truth and wisdom. At the time, they hurt and cut to the bone. But, now file them under what they're worth. That's under N for "nothing of value".
Pastor Bob preached on James 3:1-12, on Sunday. It's about taming the tongue. I find myself going back to that passage, frequently, this week. Especially, verses 7-9, "For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God."
Really makes me think about what a big mouth I have. It's only with God's help that I will be able to control it. Love you, Mrs Reg
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