Category: Hate

A Guide to Understanding and Addressing Bullying

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What is Bullying?

Bullying is a repeated, intentional behavior that exploits a power imbalance. It can occur in schools, workplaces, social groups, online spaces, or even in communities that are expected to be safe. Bullying is harmful and manipulative, and its effects can be long-lasting, impacting emotional, psychological, social, and physical well-being.

Forms of Bullying

Bullying can manifest in numerous ways:

Physical bullying: Harming someone’s body or belongings through hitting, pushing, theft, or vandalism.

Verbal bullying: Name-calling, teasing, threats, or degrading comments.

Emotional bullying: Intimidation, humiliation, belittling, shaming, or undermining a person’s confidence.

Social bullying: Collective isolation, exclusion from groups, spreading rumors, withholding important information, and manipulating friendships or social relationships.

Cyberbullying: Harassment, threats, or humiliation online via social media, messaging, or email, often anonymous and relentless, leaving victims with no safe space to retreat.

Bullying often combines several forms simultaneously. For example, social bullying can be accompanied by emotional manipulation, and cyberbullying may amplify verbal attacks.

Why People Bully

Individuals engage in bullying behavior for a variety of reasons. Some act out of a desire for control, dominance, or social power. Others may have insecurities, jealousy, or fear of being exposed, using bullying to deflect attention from their vulnerabilities. Some have learned aggressive or manipulative behaviors from past environments or family dynamics. Bullies often present a socially acceptable or competent exterior to hide harmful tendencies.

In group situations, bullying can escalate as individuals join in to protect themselves, gain favor, or conform to social pressures, especially when the bully is popular or influential. This group dynamic can make bullying more intimidating and difficult to address.

Why Victims Often Do Not Report

Victims frequently do not report bullying due to fear, shame, embarrassment, or uncertainty about how to respond. Many endure it silently, hoping it will die down, only to find the behavior escalates. Bullies frequently triangulate conflicts, drawing others in, spreading misinformation, or manipulating peers to isolate the victim. This can intensify the victim’s sense of powerlessness and encourage more people to participate, particularly if the bully is socially dominant.

Impacts on Victims

Bullying can affect individuals in multiple ways:

Emotional impacts: Anxiety, depression, fear, loss of confidence, and social withdrawal.

Physical impacts: Headaches, stomach aches, sleep disturbances, or other stress-related symptoms.

Social impacts: Isolation, loss of friendships, or reluctance to engage in school, work, or community activities.

Academic or professional impacts: Decreased performance, absenteeism, or disengagement.

Warning Signs of Bullying

Early recognition of warning signs is essential for timely intervention. Victims may exhibit:

Avoidance of certain people, places, or social situations. Sudden changes in mood, behavior, or personality. Unexplained physical injuries or complaints such as headaches or stomach aches. Withdrawal from friends, colleagues, or usual activities. Reluctance or anxiety about engaging with digital devices or online spaces. Decreased performance at school or work, missed deadlines, or frequent absenteeism.

Recognizing these warning signs can allow friends, family, educators, or colleagues to intervene and provide support before bullying escalates further.

Addressing Bullying

For Children

Parents and guardians play a critical role by encouraging open communication, creating safe spaces to discuss experiences, and teaching empathy and coping strategies. Practical steps include supporting children in forming healthy friendships, knowing when to remove themselves from harmful situations, and seeking help from trusted adults or school authorities. Schools play a key role by establishing anti-bullying policies, fostering inclusion and empathy, and responding promptly to cyberbullying with digital safety education.

For Adults

Bullying in adulthood can be subtle and complex, including exclusion from key information, undermining work or professional contributions, intimidation, or social manipulation. Adults can respond by documenting incidents, setting firm boundaries, seeking guidance from trusted colleagues or human resources, and escalating concerns through formal channels when necessary. Maintaining self-care through counseling, stress management, and supportive relationships is vital for coping with the impact of bullying.

Cyberbullying

Special precautions are needed for online harassment. Protective strategies include monitoring online interactions, using privacy settings, reporting harassment, and seeking support from trusted individuals or professionals. Communities, organizations, and institutions must foster cultures of accountability, respect, and inclusion to minimize opportunities for bullying to thrive.

Collective and Group Dynamics

Bullying often escalates in group settings. A popular or influential individual may orchestrate or encourage others to participate, using peer pressure, triangulation, or manipulation. Victims may be socially ostracized or misrepresented, reinforcing the bully’s control and isolation. Recognizing these patterns is essential in schools, workplaces, and social settings to prevent escalation and protect vulnerable individuals.

What Can Be Done About Bullying

Addressing and preventing bullying requires coordinated action from both individuals and organizations. Effective strategies include:

Recognize and acknowledge bullying: Understand its various forms and warning signs.

Document incidents: Keep detailed records for reporting or escalation.

Set boundaries: Clearly communicate limits and refuse to tolerate abuse.

Seek support: Engage trusted friends, family, colleagues, mentors, or professional advisors.

Report: Escalate concerns to schools, HR departments, or legal authorities when necessary.

Promote safe environments: Encourage policies, training, and programs that prevent bullying and support victims. Practice self-care: Prioritize mental and physical well-being, counseling, stress management, and supportive relationships.

Bullying thrives in secrecy and silence. By recognizing harmful behavior, standing firm in boundaries, supporting victims, reporting incidents, and creating accountable environments, individuals and organizations can reduce the prevalence and impact of bullying. Awareness, intervention, and consistent action are essential for creating communities where all individuals feel respected, safe, and valued.

Practical Strategies for Immediate Response

When facing bullying in real time, victims can use several practical strategies to protect themselves and respond safely:

Stay calm: Take deep breaths and avoid responding impulsively, which can escalate the situation.

Document immediately: Write down what happened, including times, dates, people involved, and witnesses. This creates a factual record for future reporting.

Set clear boundaries: If safe to do so, assertively communicate that the behavior is unacceptable. Simple statements like “I do not accept being treated this way” can establish limits.

Remove yourself if possible: Step away from the situation to reduce immediate risk and regain emotional control.

Seek support immediately: Contact a trusted friend, colleague, family member, or supervisor.

Having someone aware of the situation provides validation and protection.

Report through formal channels: Inform HR, school authorities, managers, or other relevant authorities.

Include documented evidence. Do not isolate yourself: Engage with supportive networks or professional help, such as counseling or advocacy groups, to process emotions and plan next steps.

Practice self-care: Prioritize physical and mental well-being through rest, healthy routines, and stress management techniques.

These strategies help victims respond safely, protect themselves, and prevent bullying from escalating further. Combined with organizational accountability and proactive measures, they form a comprehensive approach to reducing harm and fostering safer environments.

What to Do if You or Someone You Know is Being Bullied

The Bible reminds us that God is “a refuge for the oppressed” (Psalm 9:9). Whether you’re experiencing bullying or supporting someone who is, take these steps:

1. Pray for strength and wisdom: Trust in God’s power to protect and guide you (Psalm 46:1).

2. Seek support from trusted individuals: Speak with a parent, teacher, supervisor, or pastor.

3. Avoid harmful situations: Stay in safe, supportive environments and seek godly counsel.

4. Report the behavior: Escalate concerns to appropriate authorities, trusting that God is a God of justice (Isaiah 30:18).

Self-Care and Mental Health: Restoring Hope Through Christ

Bullying can leave deep emotional scars, but God offers healing and hope.

• Find peace in God’s presence: Turn to Scriptures like Philippians 4:6-7 to experience God’s peace in times of distress.

• Seek help from Christian counselors: Don’t hesitate to involve professionals who share a biblical perspective on healing and wholeness.

• Celebrate your worth in Christ: Remember, you are fearfully and wonderfully made (Psalm 139:14). Surround yourself with uplifting people who affirm your value in God’s eyes.

Seeking Help and Support

If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, remember that you are not alone. Reach out for help and trust in God’s promise: “The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit” (Psalm 34:18).

Below are resources to guide you toward safety and healing:

In the USA

• National Bullying Prevention Center (PACER): Offers resources for children, parents, and educators to address bullying. Visit pacer.org/bullying or call 1-952-838-9000.

• StopBullying.gov: A government resource that provides information on how to recognize, prevent, and address bullying. Visit stopbullying.gov.

• National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: If bullying has caused emotional distress, contact 988 (or 1-800-273-TALK) for immediate assistance.

• Christian Counseling Resources: Seek guidance from faith-based counseling services such as Focus on the Family (focusonthefamily.com) or the American Association of Christian Counselors (aacc.net).

In the UK

• National Bullying Helpline: Provides practical advice for individuals dealing with bullying. Call 0300 323 0169 or email help@nationalbullyinghelpline.co.uk.

• Anti-Bullying Alliance: Offers resources and campaigns to help prevent bullying in schools and communities. Visit anti-bullyingalliance.org.uk.

• Childline: A resource for children and young people facing bullying. Call 0800 1111 or visit childline.org.uk.

• Bullying UK (Family Lives): Support for families and individuals dealing with bullying. Call their helpline at 0808 800 2222 or visit bullying.co.uk.

Encourage your church community to support anti-bullying efforts by sharing these resources and fostering environments where individuals feel safe and valued. Remember, “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

*** Photo by Alexander Krivitskiy at Pexels

Stop the United Nations (UN) Trying to Decriminalise Paedophilia

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CitizenGO – started this petition to The UK Prime Minister, The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP, and UN Ambassador Dame Barbara Janet Woodward DCMG OBE – 2024/09/05

The UN (United Nations) is on the brink of legalising something unimaginable that will effect children around the world.

Right now, it’s pushing a horrifying treaty that could make it acceptable to create and possess explicit materials involving children—as long as it’s deemed “private” or “consensual”.

The UN’s latest treaty on cybercrime could allow predators to exploit children under the guise of “consensual” or “private” use of sexual content – child rape material.

Imagine AI-generated images of children in disturbing scenarios or real minors (children) being manipulated and / or coerced into creating their own exploitation—all potentially decriminalised. This is beyond comprehension—it’s a direct threat to the safety of every child.

If this treaty is signed, it could pave the way for the normalisation of the most horrific forms of child exploitation and even elements of paedophilia around the world.

And the UN isn’t just allowing this—they’re endorsing it.

By decriminalising “consensual” child pornography i.e child rape material, they’re opening the floodgates for paedophiles and predators. And make no mistake—if we let this happen, it’s only a matter of time before they push for even more: lowering the age of consent and defending the “rights” of those who prey on our children.

This is a nightmare in the making, and we cannot afford to wake up too late. We are standing at the edge of a cliff, and if we don’t act now, the protections that keep our children safe will be eroded.

What will be left? A world where the law protects predators, and our ability to safeguard our children will be stripped away.

We must rise up and make our voices heard. Add your name today to demand that the UK Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, and UN Ambassador Dame Barbara Janet Woodward block this outrageous treaty.

The time to protect our children from this madness is now—before it’s too late.


—————

THE PETITION LETTER

(Please click on link below to sign)

Urgent: Opposition to Proposed UN Cybercrime Treaty

Dear The Right Honourable Sir Keir Starmer KCB KC MP and Dame Barbara Janet Woodward DCMG OBE,

I am writing to express my deep concern regarding the new UN treaty on cybercrime. What should be a positive step toward global safety has instead raised significant alarm.

Among the most distressing aspects of this proposed treaty is the inclusion of language that would decriminalize certain forms of child pornography.

According to Article 14 of the treaty, countries may choose to decriminalize the production, distribution, and possession of content depicting children that are sexually exposed so long as the material does not represent an “existing person” or does not visually depict actual “child sexual abuse or child sexual exploitation.”

This proposal is not only deeply unethical but also poses a direct threat to the safety and well-being of the most vulnerable members of our society—our children.

It opens the door to depictions of paedophilia and legalizes some forms of child pornography, long considered illegal.

It is deeply troubling that the UN, which should prioritize the protection of all citizens, especially children, is considering provisions that could improve the social perception of paedophiles and protect those who possess and consume such vile material.

We must keep these dangerous individuals far away from our children and ensure that their abhorrent behaviour is not legitimised through international treaties.

In light of this, I urge you to take a stand against this treaty when it comes before the United Nations General Assembly this month. Please abstain from endorsing any agreement that would undermine the protection of our children and compromise the safety of our society.

Thank you for your attention to this critical issue.

[Your Name]

—————

It’s important. Will you sign it too? Here’s the link:

PLEASE SIGN THE PETITION

More information:


—————

**By CitizenGo

Why Jealousy and Envy are Soul Destroyers

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One of the Ten Commandments is “You shall not covet.” Proverbs 27:4 reminds us of the destructive power of envy: “Wrath is cruel, and anger is outrageous; but who is able to stand before envy?” Envy and jealousy are not fleeting emotions—they can erode relationships, cloud judgment, and separate us from God’s peace.

A person’s attitude in life is all-important. Much of the work of counseling involves helping people accept their reality and reshape their attitudes. Many people harbor poor attitudes about themselves, others, and even God. Unfortunately, it is human nature to compare ourselves to others. Jealousy and envy are often the toxic results of this comparison, combining anger, insecurity, fear, and greed.

Jealousy, like its cousin envy, is a silent and destructive force. It can hide for years, silently scheming, until it strikes through slander, gossip, or even violence. Jealousy involves desiring what others have, while envy resents others for their blessings. Both attitudes are the opposite of love and aim to see others fail. They stem from an inability to recognize God’s provision in our lives and a lack of gratitude. James 3:16 warns us that “where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there.”

Comparison, low self-esteem, and a desire for status or attention fuel jealousy and envy. Social media and a lack of meaningful relationships can amplify these feelings, as can a lack of intimacy with God. Life is not about possessions or status. Coveting what others have is idolatry, as it places material things or success above God. God promises to provide for our needs, and He calls us to store up treasures in heaven by living generously and faithfully.

To overcome jealousy and envy, we must first acknowledge their presence in our hearts. We need to humble ourselves before God, asking Him to reveal the motives and feelings behind these emotions. Once we’ve confessed these sins to Christ, we can begin the process of transformation.

  1. Cultivate Gratitude.
    Gratitude is a powerful antidote to envy. Reflect on the blessings in your life and thank God daily, even for the small things. The Psalms are a wonderful resource for turning thankfulness into prayer. Gratitude shifts our focus from what we lack to what God has already provided.
  2. Avoid Comparison Traps.
    Social media often paints a false picture of people’s lives, fueling unhealthy comparisons. Instead, focus on activities that nourish your soul and draw you closer to God. Remember that God does not judge us by outward appearances, wealth, or accomplishments—He looks at the heart.
  3. Focus on Jesus.
    When we fix our eyes on Jesus, our perspective changes. Jesus modeled humility and selflessness, and He reminds us that eternal treasures matter more than worldly possessions or status. Living to please God brings peace and joy, knowing that we are saved by grace, not by our achievements.
  4. Understand the Root Causes.
    Analyze the triggers for jealousy and envy in your life. Why do certain people or situations provoke these feelings? Talking with trusted friends, counselors, or pastors can help uncover underlying issues and past wounds. Healing often begins when we confront these root causes and surrender them to God.
  5. Pray for Others and Yourself.
    Praying for the people you envy transforms your heart. Genuine prayer moves us from resentment to love and helps us see others through God’s eyes. It also deepens our relationship with God, who has given us unique talents and opportunities to serve others. True growth happens when we embrace these gifts and use them to glorify God.

Contentment is key to overcoming envy and jealousy. When we trust God as our provider, we stop striving for things that don’t truly satisfy. Hebrews 13:5 reminds us to “keep your lives free from the love of money and be content with what you have, because God has said, ‘Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.’”

By cultivating gratitude, avoiding comparison, focusing on Jesus, addressing the root causes of envy, and growing through prayer, we align ourselves with God’s truth. These steps free us from the bondage of jealousy and lead to a life of peace, joy, and love.

Life is not about possessions, status, or recognition. It is about walking faithfully with God, trusting His plan, and rejoicing in His provision. As you surrender your struggles to God, remember His promise in Philippians 1:6: “He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus.” Seek Him first, and He will replace jealousy with peace, envy with love, and fear with contentment.

Prayer to Overcome Jealousy and Embrace Contentment

Heavenly Father,
We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging that jealousy and envy can creep into our lives and cloud our vision of Your goodness. Lord, search our hearts and reveal any sinful attitudes that hinder our walk with You. Help us to surrender these feelings to You, trusting in Your abundant grace and provision.

Teach us to be content with what You have given us and to trust that Your plans for our lives are good. Fill us with gratitude for Your blessings, both great and small, and remind us daily of Your steadfast love and faithfulness.

Lord, protect us from the traps of comparison and the lies of the enemy that tell us we are not enough. Instead, let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith. Help us to find joy in serving You and others with the unique gifts You have entrusted to us.

Give us the strength to love those around us genuinely, even when envy tries to take root. Teach us to celebrate the successes of others and to pray for their well-being with sincere hearts. May our lives reflect Your love, which does not envy but rejoices in the truth.

Father, remind us that true joy and peace are found in Your presence, not in earthly possessions or status. Guide us to store up treasures in Heaven and to seek first Your Kingdom and righteousness.

We thank You for Your promise that You will never leave us nor forsake us. Fill us with Your Spirit, transforming our hearts and minds to be more like Christ. May we walk in freedom, contentment, and the joy that comes from knowing You.

In Jesus’ name, we pray,
Amen.

—————-

** By Fritz Chery at Bible reasons + Michael Linn a licensed professional counsellor, Resolute Counseling.com + Quote by Dr. Bill Edgar former president of Geneva Edu and pastor of the Reformed Presbyterian Church / Photo by Brett Jordan at Pexels

What God Hates

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May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer ~ Psalm 19:14

In the book of Proverbs we have a very stark statement as to what God hates.  So let us take a look… 

1.  Haughty eyes: Haughty eyes deals with pride and God hates pride.  The eyes are the windows into pride.  The phrase, “That person looks down on me!”  That’s the haughty eye and its full of pride.  Pride is the original sin that goes all the way back to the Garden of Eden.  Man wanted to be like God (notice the pride) more than he wanted to be with God.  He looked down on God.

2.  A lying tongue:  A lying tongue is a reminder that all words count.  All words have consequences and that all our words will be judged by God.  This is why in Proverbs 18:21 we are warned: life and death are in the power of the tongue.  When we lie, we trample on the greatness and dignity that God has placed in all humans. 

3.  Hands that shed innocent blood:  Innocence does not imply sinlessness.  But to shed innocent blood is to take the life of one who has done nothing worthy of death.  God loves and wants us to protect the innocent. 

4.  A heart that devises wicked schemes:  Throughout Scripture, God reminds us that He alone searches the heart.  God knows what we think and he sees the plans and purposes that are conceived in the souls of all people. 

5.  Feet that are quick to rush into evil:  To rush into evil is to demonstrate a great delight and enjoyment of evil and an eagerness to participate in it.  God hates the enjoyment of evil.  A lot of people like to witness evil and yet they would never think of doing it themselves.  God says no.

6.  A false witness who pours out lies:  This deals with perjury.  But when the Proverbs writes about a false witness, the principle is so much deeper than the mere avoidance of lying.  This is talking about making right confession.  The word confession is a word that literally means to speak truth that is revealed by God. 

7.  A person who stirs up conflict in the community:  The climax of wickedness is the one who purposefully causes division.  It is the kind of conflict that is done in secret and done by one who won’t appeal through proper channels and who does not submit to proper authority.  It is someone who stirs up conflict for the sole purpose of stirring up conflict.

Now, if God hates these things in this passage (and He does!), then it stands to reason He loves just the opposite. In other words, if God hates haughty eyes that means He loves the eyes of humility. If God hates a lying tongue what does He love? A tongue of integrity. If God hates those who shed innocent blood, He loves those who defend the innocent. If He hates the heart that devises wicked schemes, how much more does He love the one who works towards virtue? If God hates feet that rush to evil, how much does He love feet that run towards goodness? If He hates a false witness, He must love a true witness! If He hates those who sow discord, how much more does He love those who sow unity and peace? At the end of the day, the Proverbs writer is asking us to consider: What kind of people are we striving to be? May we strive to be those who practice what God loves!

——————

***By Dr Dave Lescalleet at Pruit Cares Foundation

5 Ways to Pray for Israel and Gaza

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Here’s how Christians can use the scriptures to pray for people on all sides of this conflict.

These are some of the darkest day in Jewish history since the end of the Holocaust. More Jews have been killed in a single day than any other period since the concentration camps.

It isn’t just the numbers that are shocking – 1,200 lives lost and rising. It’s the horrific details. Hamas terrorists stormed a music festival in southern Israel, firing indiscriminately. Reports of teenagers gunned down came amid the news that an elderly Holocaust survivor was among the hostages. And then, as if it were possible, everything got worse. I won’t repeat the details of the massacre at Kfar Aza, it’s too harrowing. But if you want to know, you can see here.

I’ve visited the region many times. Spoken to people on both sides of the divide. And every time, I’ve come away with the realisation that this conflict is far more complicated than I’d thought before.

But some things aren’t complicated, and that’s why Western governments have rightly flown the flag for Israel. This is not because they have no sympathy with the Palestinian cause, as some have mistakenly thought. Just as the civilized world were united in their condemnation of the Islamist hatred that led to 9/11, so the atrocities committed by Hamas have rightly been condemned.

As Christians, we are called to pray for everyone in these lands. The Bible says the God of Israel neither slumbers nor sleeps (Psalm 121). Here’s how we can use the scriptures to call on him:

1. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem

“Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. ‘May those who love you be secure. May there be peace within your walls and security within your citadels.’” (Psalm 122:6-7)

Jerusalem is the only city in scripture which God’s people are specifically instructed to pray for by name. There are historical reasons for this (the Bible was written almost entirely by Jewish people, who had and have a natural love for the holy city). But today, when we pray for Jerusalem, we are praying for those on allsides of the conflict. Jews, Christians and Muslims live in Jerusalem, with Palestinians and Israelis alike calling this city home. We are to pray there would be “peace within [its] walls”. That peacebuilding initiatives which bring Jews and Arabs together would flourish. Pray that the next generation will not be taught to hate the other, but to love.

2. Pray for the protection of innocent civilians

“A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more.” (Matthew 2:18)

We have already seen heartbreaking images of innocent families in Gaza who have lost loved ones. The strip is densely populated, and Hamas use human shields, often basing themselves in mosques, schools and hospitals. We must therefore pray for Palestinians – whether Muslim or Christian – that their families will be protected from what is about to unfold. We must pray that even in their just anger, Israel’s army will make wise and godly decisions, so that innocent Palestinians will be allowed to live in safety. Pray that Israel would heed the Old Testament command: “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself” (Leviticus 19:34). Civilian Palestinians are not the enemy, and must be protected.

3. Pray that evil ideologies will be exposed and gospel truth will prevail

“For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, nor hidden that will not be known. Therefore whatever you have spoken in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have spoken in the ear in inner rooms will be proclaimed on the housetops.” (Luke 12:2-3) 

The evil ideology of Hamas (“Israel will exist until Islam obliterates it”) must be exposed and confronted.

But as the West has discovered during past conflicts, bombs don’t work when it comes to destroying ideologies. That’s why we must pray that the truth of the gospel will break into hard hearts.

On the road to Damascus, a violent man full of hate was overwhelmed by the love of God. The same God who saved Saul and turned him into Paul is able to reach today’s terrorists.

4. Pray for the Church

“For [Jesus] himself is our peace, who has made the two groups [Jew and Gentile] one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility…His purpose was to create in himself one new humanity out of the two, thus making peace, and in one body to reconcile both of them to God through the cross, by which he put to death their hostility.” (Ephesians 2:14-16)

This scripture explains how Jesus’ death on the cross has ended the ethnic hostility between Jews and Gentiles. This is apparent today in churches where Israelis and Palestinians worship alongside one another in peace.

Whether predominantly Messianic, Arab, or mixed, these churches need our prayers. Pray for their leaders, that they would model the fruits of the Spirit (Galatians 5), especially love, peace and goodness. Pray that the unity of these churches would be protected. Pray that forgiveness would flow and justice would roll on like a river (Amos 5:24).

5. Pray for the Jewish community in the UK and around the world

“The Lord is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.” (Psalm 9:9)

In the aftermath of Hamas’ terror attack, a Jewish bakery in north London was smashed, and the word “free Palestine” strewn across it. Reports of anti-semitic incidents in the UK have trebled. Videos have circulated online of a Palestinian activist in Manchester saying, in response to the Hamas atrocities: “we are full of pride and joy for what has happened”.

Such events, not to mention similar scenes in Australia (chants of “gas the Jews”) and the US, mean our Jewish friends are deeply worried for their own safety. British Synagogues and Jewish schools have long had airport-style security on their doors, and tensions will be running high.

As Christians, we must be aware of our history. Many of our past leaders were anti-semitic, and their theology paved the way for the Holocaust. We must not commit the same crimes of our forbearers. We must not hesitate when it comes to standing up for our Jewish brothers and sisters. Pray that their places of worship and education will be protected. Pray that justice will prevail, and those guilty of religious hate crimes will be brought to swift justice.

And ultimately, as our hearts break for the people of Gaza and the people of Israel, you may wish to pray the last prayer we find in scripture. Revelation 21:20. “Come, Lord Jesus.”

———————

*** Sam Hailes is the editor of Premier Christianity, the UK’s leading Christian magazine / Alamy Stock Photo: Source Daniren

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