Big Bullies!

Big Bullies!Reader: Jon WatsonDate: 16th December 2022Passage: Proverbs 21:24-------------------Bullying is a problem, a serious problem, whether at school, work or even at home. In recent times, with the advent of the social media, bullying can become very frightening and has even led to some young people committing suicide. Sometimes Christians suffer bullying because of their beliefs and may be rejected by peers at school or by work-mates. This can be very hurtful indeed.As a Christian, you may suffer bullying because your lifestyle may be very different from those around you, your language may be different — no swearing or telling lies or listening to dirty stories. You may also find that your lifestyle is actually 'showing up' the shallowness and unhappiness of those around you, so that they want to hurt you for making them ashamed.How then do you deal with the bullying? First of all, don't be afraid to speak about it at home or with a trusted Christian friend or, if appropriate, to a staff member. Don't bottle it up in yourself. Secondly pray about it. Pray for the bully or bullies. They may be very unhappy people although they are "mockers and proud and haughty people acting with boundless arrogance". Often that is a mask over their own insecurity. Cut off social media if that is threatening you. Seek out Christian friends.PrayerI need your help to be a courageous Christian, O Lord, when faced with the hurtful behaviour of others. Amen.