Tag: comparison

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

Comparison Is The Thief of Joy

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One of the fastest ways of discouraging yourself and getting trapped by the sin of envy is when you compare yourself to others. God has a specific plan for you and you won’t accomplish that plan by looking at others. 

Count your blessings and not the blessings of someone else. Let God control your life and give Satan no opportunity to discourage you from the purpose God has for you. Know that all you need is Christ. Set your mind at peace by focusing on the Lord.

This is another way to build unity, by not looking to see if I’m better than the next person, spiritually, intellectually or with anything else the Lord has blessed me with.

“Don’t compare yourself to others. You have no idea what their journey is all about.”

“A flower does not think of competing with the flower next to it. It just blooms.”

What does the Bible say? Bible verses to Help in Comparing yourselves to others:

Galatians 6:4-5 Each of you must examine your own actions. Then you can be proud of your own accomplishments without comparing yourself to others.  Assume your own responsibility.

2 Corinthians 10:12 We wouldn’t put ourselves in the same class with or compare ourselves to those who are bold enough to make their own recommendations. Certainly, when they measure themselves by themselves and compare themselves to themselves, they show how foolish they are.

1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 And that ye study to be quiet, and to do your own business, and to work with your own hands, as we commanded you.  That ye may walk honestly toward them that are without, and that ye may have lack of nothing.

All it does is lead to envy

James 3:16 For where jealousy and selfish ambition exist, there will be disorder and every vile practice.

Proverbs 14:30 A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the bones rot.

1 Corinthians 3:3 For you are still of the flesh. For while there is jealousy and strife among you are you not of the flesh and behaving only in a human way?

Set apart from the world

Romans 12:2 Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.

“1 John 2:15 Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him.”

We don’t live for people

Philippians 2:3 Don’t act out of selfish ambition or be conceited. Instead, humbly think of others as being better than yourselves.

Galatians 1:10 Am I saying this now to win the approval of people or God? Am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be Christ’s servant.

Isaiah 2:22 Stop regarding man in whose nostrils is breath, for of what account is he?

Give God your all

Mark 12:30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with your entire mind and with all your strength.’

Psalm 37:5 Commit your way to the LORD; trust in Him, and He will act.

Proverbs 3:5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.

Be content

1 Timothy 6:6-8 Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

Psalm 23:1 A psalm of David. The LORD is my shepherd; I have all that I need.

Be grateful in all situations.

1 Thessalonians 5:18  Whatever happens, give thanks, because it is God’s will in Christ Jesus that you do this.

Psalm 136:1-2 Give thanks to the Lord because he is good, because his mercy endures forever. Give thanks to the God of gods because his mercy endures forever.

Compare yourself to Christ instead so you can be more like Him. 

2 Corinthians 10:17 As the Scriptures say, “If you want to boast, boast only about the LORD.”

1 Corinthians 11:1 Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.

That way you can live out God’s will for your life.

Jeremiah 29:11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.

Psalm 138:8 The LORD will work out his plans for my life–for your faithful love, O LORD, endures forever. Don’t abandon me, for you made me.

Advice

2 Corinthians 13:5 Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realise this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!

Philippians 4:8 Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honourable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.

Reminder

Psalm 139:14 I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.

 

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By Fritz Chery at Bible Reasons / Picture Photo by Bich Tran from Pexels