Category: Wisdom

Bullying – A Practical Guide for All Ages

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What is Bullying? Bullying is a harmful behavior that is repeated, intentional, and characterized by a power imbalance. It directly contradicts God’s command to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31). As Christians, we are called to address this behavior with compassion and courage.

Bullying can manifest in various ways:

• Physical bullying: Harming someone’s body or belongings.

• Emotional bullying: Intimidation, exclusion, or shaming.

• Verbal bullying: Teasing, name-calling, or threatening.

• Social bullying: Manipulating friendships, spreading rumors, or cyberbullying.

Cyberbullying, a modern form of bullying, occurs online and can be especially harmful because:

• It is often anonymous.

• It can happen at any time, invading a person’s home and peace.

• Victims may hesitate to report it due to fear or shame.

As Christians, it’s vital to remind ourselves and others that every person is made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27) and deserves dignity and respect.

Warning Signs of Bullying

Bullying can deeply impact individuals emotionally, mentally, and physically. Recognizing the signs allows us to intervene with care.

• Avoidance of specific places like school, work, or social settings.

• Unexplained physical complaints or injuries.

• Changes in mood, withdrawal from friends, or fear of digital devices.

• Significant drops in academic or professional performance.

Jesus teaches us to “carry each other’s burdens” (Galatians 6:2). By being attentive, we can help others find healing and hope.

Addressing Bullying at Home, Work, School, and Church

For Parents and Children

Parents are entrusted by God to nurture their children (Proverbs 22:6). Addressing bullying begins at home:

• Encourage open communication: Ask your child about their experiences.

• Questions like “Do you feel safe at school?” or “Has anyone made you feel uncomfortable online?” can open the door to honesty.

• Model Christ-like empathy: Teach your child to “be kind and compassionate to one another” (Ephesians 4:32) and reassure them that bullying is not their fault.

• Equip your child with courage: Share Proverbs 3:26, “For the Lord will be your confidence.” Teach practical strategies like seeking supportive friendships and walking away from bullies.

• Partner with the school: Work collaboratively with educators to address the issue in a way that reflects grace and justice.

For Adults

Bullying is not limited to children—it can occur in workplaces, social groups, and even churches. As adults, we are called to stand firm against injustice (Micah 6:8).

• Confront bullying with truth: Speak firmly but respectfully. Ephesians 4:15 reminds us to “speak the truth in love.”

• Seek support and accountability: Share concerns with trusted colleagues or leaders. Remember that God places us in community for mutual support (Ecclesiastes 4:9-12).

• Practice self-care through Christ: Turn to prayer, Scripture, and Christian counseling to navigate emotional challenges. Matthew 11:28 invites us to find rest in Christ.

In Schools

Schools should be places of safety and growth. Christian educators and students can make a profound difference:

• Promote kindness and inclusion: Share Proverbs 16:24, “Gracious words are a honeycomb, sweet to the soul and healing to the bones.”

• Teach empathy: Help students understand the value of every person as a child of God.

• Address cyberbullying: Encourage respectful digital interactions and emphasize the call to “love one another” even in online spaces (John 13:34).

In Churches

Churches are meant to reflect the love and unity of Christ. However, bullying can happen even in spiritual communities.

• Lead by example: Church leaders must demonstrate respect and kindness, following Jesus’ example of servant leadership (John 13:14-15).

• Foster unity and reconciliation: Address conflicts directly, encouraging dialogue and forgiveness (Matthew 18:15-17).

• Create inclusive ministries: Ensure no one feels excluded by fostering programs that reflect the diversity of God’s kingdom.

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.

Final Thoughts

As Christians, we are called to confront bullying with love, courage, and faith. By leaning on God’s guidance, we can create environments of kindness, respect, and safety for all.

If you or someone you know is experiencing bullying, reach out for help—and trust that God is working to bring restoration and peace. Together, we can embody the light of Christ in a world that so desperately needs it.

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

5 Ways to Be Dressed Ready for Service

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The Bible often uses the imagery of clothing to describe the believer’s readiness to serve God. When Jesus told His disciples, “Be dressed ready for service and keep your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35), He was not talking about garments of fabric, but garments of the heart. To be “dressed” in the biblical sense means to be spiritually prepared, equipped, and vigilant—ready at all times to live for Christ and serve others.

1. The Call to Readiness

In the days of Jesus, servants who were “dressed for service” had their belts fastened and robes tucked in, prepared to work or travel at a moment’s notice. Likewise, believers are called to live with an attitude of expectancy, not distracted by worldly cares, but alert and watchful for the Lord’s return.

Readiness is not a passive waiting—it is active, faithful living. It means that at any given moment, our lives should reflect obedience, faith, and love.

2. The Armor of God (Ephesians 6:10–18)

The apostle Paul describes a spiritual uniform that equips the believer for service and battle against spiritual opposition:

Belt of Truth – Living with integrity and holding firmly to God’s truth.

Breastplate of Righteousness – Guarding our hearts by living in alignment with God’s commands.

Shoes of the Gospel of Peace – Ready to share the Good News wherever we go.

Shield of Faith – Trusting God in all circumstances, extinguishing doubts and lies.

Helmet of Salvation – Protecting our minds with the assurance of God’s saving work.

Sword of the Spirit – Applying God’s Word to discern truth and resist temptation.

Prayer – The lifeline that empowers and sustains all spiritual readiness.

3. Clothed in Christlike Character (Colossians 3:12–14)

Service to God is not just about defense against the enemy; it is also about reflecting Christ’s love to the world. Paul writes:

“Clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience… And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

When we put on these virtues daily, we become living demonstrations of God’s kingdom—our service becomes both practical and spiritual.

4. Lamps Burning Bright

Jesus adds, “keep your lamps burning” (Luke 12:35), a picture of ongoing spiritual vitality. Just as a lamp requires oil to stay lit, our hearts require the continual filling of the Holy Spirit through prayer, worship, and God’s Word. A ready servant is one who is spiritually alive and shining brightly in a dark world.

5. Living the Prepared Life

To be dressed ready for service means:

Living with watchfulness for Christ’s return. Equipping yourself daily with God’s truth and righteousness. Walking in love, kindness, and humility. Staying spiritually alert through prayer and Scripture. Being available for God’s work at any time.

When our spiritual garments are in place, we are not only protected but also positioned to bless others and honor our Lord.

Conclusion

The Christian life is not a call to occasional acts of devotion but to a constant state of readiness. Whether in times of joy or hardship, the true servant of Christ is always dressed—spiritually armed, clothed in love, and fueled by the Spirit—ready to serve the Master until He comes.

“Blessed is that servant whom the master finds doing so when he comes” (Luke 12:43).

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** Photo by Tima Miroshnichenko at Pexels

The Search For Meaning: How Modern Idolatry Reflects Our God Shaped Longing

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From the bustling streets of Tokyo to the quiet corners of a rural village, one thing remains constant: the human tendency to idolize something. This phenomenon is not new; throughout history, people have worshiped various deities, objects, and ideals. However, the essence of modern idolatry reflects a deeper spiritual longing—a God-shaped hole in our hearts meant exclusively for Him. This inherent desire for connection with the divine often leads individuals to fill that void with worldly pursuits, resulting in a cycle of dissatisfaction and spiritual emptiness.

The God-Shaped Hole: A Divine Design

The concept of a God-shaped hole in the human heart can be traced back to the idea that God created us with a longing for relationship with Him. In Ecclesiastes 3:11, it is written, “He has made everything beautiful in its time. He has also set eternity in the human heart.” This verse suggests that God intentionally designed us with an innate desire for eternity, a yearning for something beyond ourselves.

When we do not know God as our Lord and Savior, this longing can manifest in various ways. People often seek to fill this void with things of this world: relationships, success, wealth, or material possessions. Each attempt to fill this gap with transient things ultimately leads to disappointment, as none can satisfy the deep-rooted desire for a relationship with our Creator.

The Allure of Worldly Idols

Modern idolatry often disguises itself in the form of societal values and personal ambitions. Many individuals idolize career success, celebrity culture, and the pursuit of pleasure. Social media platforms can amplify this phenomenon, presenting curated images of seemingly perfect lives, encouraging a culture of comparison and envy.

In the quest for fulfillment, people may unknowingly prioritize these worldly pursuits over their relationship with God. This displacement of affection can lead to feelings of inadequacy and emptiness. As humans chase after fleeting pleasures and possessions, they often find themselves in a cycle of unfulfilled desires, driven by the constant need for more.

The Consequences of Idolatry

When we prioritize idols over God, we risk drifting away from the very source of true fulfillment. The Bible warns against idolatry in various forms. In Exodus 20:3-5, God commands, “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image…” This admonition emphasizes that anything we elevate above God is an idol, whether it be wealth, success, or even relationships.

The consequences of such idolatry are profound. It not only leads to spiritual stagnation but also to a profound sense of isolation. Without the foundation of a relationship with God, individuals often feel lost, disconnected, and devoid of purpose.

The Universal Search for Meaning

Across cultures and eras, the quest for meaning and fulfillment is universal. No matter where you go, you will find people idolizing something, reflecting the innate human longing for connection and purpose. From ancient rituals to modern practices, the forms may change, but the underlying desire remains: a yearning for something greater than oneself.

This universal search often leads to the creation of idols—be they material possessions, celebrity figures, or ideologies. However, these pursuits are mere substitutes for the real thing. They offer temporary satisfaction but fail to provide lasting peace and joy.

Finding Fulfillment in Christ

The only true solution to the God-shaped hole in our hearts is a relationship with Jesus Christ. John 10:10 reminds us, “I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly.” When we accept Christ as our Savior, we begin to experience the fulfillment that comes from knowing our Creator.

A relationship with God provides the ultimate source of identity, purpose, and belonging. Through Him, we find the strength to resist the allure of worldly idols, focusing instead on His eternal promises.

Conclusion: A Call to Authentic Worship

In a world filled with distractions and temptations, it is crucial to recognize the dangers of modern idolatry. The God-shaped hole in our hearts can only be filled by the love and grace of our Creator. As believers, we are called to identify and dismantle any idols that may have taken root in our lives, turning our hearts back to God.

Let us strive to seek Him above all else, understanding that true fulfillment is found not in the transient things of this world, but in a vibrant, life-giving relationship with Jesus Christ. In doing so, we can experience the abundant life He promises, a life where our hearts are fully satisfied in Him alone.

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**Photo by Wild Little Things at Pexels

Living Out The Fruits of the Spirit

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“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” ~ Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)

The Fruits of the Spirit are transformative virtues that not only enrich our lives but also positively influence the world around us. They provide a roadmap for living with purpose and reflecting God’s character in our daily actions. Let us explore each of these qualities, their significance, and practical ways to embody them.

Love

Love is the cornerstone of the Christian faith. It represents a selfless, unconditional affection that motivates us to act with compassion and empathy.

Practical Application

Show love through small, intentional acts of kindness each day. Express gratitude, lend a helping hand, or offer a listening ear. Remember, love is not just a feeling but a reflection of God’s heart in action.

“Let all that you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14 (ESV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your boundless love. Help us to embody Your love in our interactions with others, showing compassion and kindness in all that we do. Amen.

Joy

Joy is a deep, abiding happiness rooted in our relationship with God, independent of external circumstances.

Practical Application

Cultivate joy by beginning each day with gratitude. Maintain a gratitude journal and share joyful moments with others. Joy is contagious—spreading it uplifts those around us.

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!” — Philippians 4:4 (ESV)

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the joy that comes from knowing You. Help us to focus on our blessings and to share joy with others, even in challenging times. Amen.

Peace

Peace is the inner tranquillity that comes from trusting in God, enabling us to remain calm amid life’s challenges.

Practical Application

Dedicate time daily to quiet reflection, prayer, or scripture reading. Taking a walk in nature or meditating on God’s word can provide the serenity needed to handle life’s storms.

“And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” — Philippians 4:7 (ESV)

Prayer

Gracious God, thank You for the peace that surpasses all understanding. Help us to rest in Your presence and be peacemakers in our relationships. Amen.

Patience

Patience is the ability to endure challenges with grace, responding thoughtfully rather than impulsively.

Practical Application

Reframe frustrating moments as opportunities for growth. When impatience arises, take a deep breath and remember that waiting builds resilience and trust in God.

“Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him.” — Psalm 37:7 (NIV)

Prayer

Dear Lord, grant us the patience to endure difficulties with grace. Help us to grow through life’s waiting seasons and reflect Your calmness in our actions. Amen.

Kindness

Kindness is an outward expression of love, marked by friendliness, generosity, and consideration for others.

Practical Application

Perform intentional acts of kindness regularly—compliment someone, write a thoughtful note, or assist a colleague. Small gestures often have a lasting impact.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32 (ESV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of kindness. Open our hearts to see opportunities to bless others and reflect Your love through our actions. Amen.

Goodness

Goodness involves moral integrity and a commitment to doing what is right, even when it is difficult.

Practical Application

Set personal integrity goals. Be honest, avoid gossip, and advocate for justice when needed. Striving for goodness inspires others to pursue what is right.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21 (ESV)

Prayer

Lord, thank You for the call to live with goodness and integrity. Guide us to make righteous choices and stand for truth, even in the face of opposition. Amen.

Faithfulness

Faithfulness reflects loyalty and reliability in our relationships and our walk with God.

Practical Application

Develop faithfulness by maintaining consistent prayer and scripture study. Honour your commitments and support others in their times of need.

“The one who calls you is faithful, and he will do it.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:24 (NIV)

Prayer

Gracious God, thank You for Your unwavering faithfulness. Help us to remain loyal in our relationships and deepen our commitment to You. Amen.

Gentleness

Gentleness is the quality of being mild and tender, approaching others with humility and understanding.

Practical Application

Respond thoughtfully in conversations, especially during conflicts. Listen actively and choose calmness over anger, fostering an environment of respect.

“Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand.” — Philippians 4:5 (ESV)

Prayer

Lord, thank You for Your gentle spirit. Teach us to respond to others with humility and kindness, reflecting Your grace in our interactions. Amen.

Self-Control

Self-control is the ability to manage our impulses and align our decisions with God’s will.

Practical Application

Set boundaries and practice mindfulness in decision-making. Reflect regularly on your actions, adjusting to align with God’s values.

“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” — 2 Timothy 1:7 (ESV)

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of self-control. Strengthen our discipline to resist temptation and live according to Your will. Amen.

Conclusion

Living out the Fruits of the Spirit enriches our lives and inspires those around us to seek God. By actively embodying these virtues, we become beacons of God’s love, peace, and righteousness in the world.

Forget Coldplay’s Kiss Cam—What Happens When God Puts Your Life on the Big Screen?

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Foreword (July 2025)

After watching the viral Coldplay kiss cam debacle—an awkward, unfiltered moment projected onto a stadium screen and then replayed endlessly online—I couldn’t help but think of this article Jeremy Utley wrote a few years ago. That kiss cam caught two people in a moment they probably wish could be erased.

But what about when our entire lives are put on display—every thought, word, and action—before God Himself?

This reflection, “Screening An Un-Blanked-Out Documentary,” written in 2022, feels even more relevant today. The world is quick to spotlight our embarrassing moments, but heaven is watching for something deeper: the moments that hold eternal significance.

Screening An Un-Blanked-Out Documentary

Published 2022

“Therefore do not go on passing judgment before the time, but wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in the darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God.” ~ 1 Corinthians‬ ‭4:5‬ ‭NASB‬‬

At the judgment seat of Christ, all of God’s ways will be seen to be perfectly just and righteous. That’s why we’re commanded to wait to judge — because there will come a day when even the secret motives of men’s hearts will be revealed, and then and only then can we judge righteously. Jesus says the same thing in Luke 12:2-3:

“But there is nothing covered up that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known. Accordingly, whatever you have said in the dark will be heard in the light, and what you have whispered in the inner rooms will be proclaimed upon the housetops.”
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The picture I have of the judgment seat is one where everyone who has ever lived will see my every thought, word, deed, and motive, and will be able to see that God’s judgment of my life is perfectly righteous. It’s as if a documentary of all my life — inward and outward — will be on a giant movie screen for everyone who’s ever lived to see. And all people, finally having “perfect information” so to speak, will come to the same exact conclusion that God does in His judgment of my life. For some, that may be an absolutely terrifying idea. But for Christians, we can take comfort knowing that God has “blotted out” those sinful spots on the tape (Psalm 51:9), because He chooses not to remember (Isaiah 43:25) any of the sins that we confess in the name of Jesus Christ (1 John 1:7,9). Praise God for that!!

But Christian, let me ask you a question: how will you feel if, when it’s “showtime” for your documentary in heaven, your entire movie is just a series of blanked-out scenes and bleeped-out speech? No sound, no video, all blank? Definitely no sin there to speak of, just hours and hours of silence. Non-footage, so to speak. It’s as if your life almost never took place. Will that be cause for rejoicing?

Or does that sound terrible to you? I must say that I will be utterly heartbroken if my documentary is all bleeped-out footage, with nothing worth screening in the final day! I want more than that! I want a life that brings God glory and honor and praise (Philippians 1:10-11), a life He can put on display to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places as evidence of His trustworthiness and wisdom and power (Ephesians 3:10, Job 1:8), a life that is not merely stripped of all evidence of bad, but that fulfills all the good that God had in His heart when He made me (Ephesians 2:10)! (I encourage you to read those verses and see whether that is God’s hope for your life too.)

The Holy Spirit says that “each man’s work will become evident; for the day will show it because it is to be revealed with fire, and the fire itself will test the quality of each man’s work. If any man’s work which he has built on it remains, he will receive a reward. If any man’s work is burned up, he will suffer loss; but he himself will be saved, yet so as through fire” (‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭3:13-15‬)‬‬. I don’t know about you, but that’s not what I want the subtitle of my movie to be: “saved, yet so as through fire.” To be sure, I’m not interested in reward, except that it will be something I get to throw at my precious Savior’s feet (Revelation 4:10). What I’m interested in is a life that brings God praise and glory in the final day, and the way to do that is to seek for there to be something left on the tape after the fire blots out all of the footage that dishonors the Lord. 

Lord, according to Your Holy Spirit’s work in me, I want an un-bleeped tape! I want my life to count for You! I want to be a part of the manifestation that shames the devil and brings glory to Jesus Christ in the final day, that extols His trustworthiness and power. 

“But you are A CHOSEN RACE, A royal PRIESTHOOD, A HOLY NATION, A PEOPLE FOR God’s OWN POSSESSION, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; for you once were NOT A PEOPLE, but now you are THE PEOPLE OF GOD; you had NOT RECEIVED MERCY, but now you have RECEIVED MERCY. Beloved, I urge you as aliens and strangers to abstain from fleshly lusts which wage war against the soul. Keep your behavior excellent among the Gentiles, so that in the thing in which they slander you as evildoers, they may because of your good deeds, as they observe them, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
‭‭1 Peter‬ ‭2:9-12‬ ‭NASB‬‬

Our good deeds may never be evident to worldly-minded people during our life on earth. But our hope is that, in the final day, when all things are known perfectly, and they watch the movies of our lives, they would have cause to glorify God. Not because there’s a blank tape (unlike their filthy tape), but there’s a tape filled with evidence of God’s glory. 

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**By Jeremy Utley © Copyright – Jeremy Utley. No changes whatsoever are to be made to the content of the article without written permission from the author at NCCF Church / Photo by Annushka Ahuja at Pexels