National Bullying Prevention Month
With Fall now in full swing and school back in session (in-person and online), the reality of bullying is a concern for many students, parents, and teachers. We’d like to share some truths from God’s Word about bullying as well as some practical resources to help you navigate this painful issue.
What does God say about Bullying?
Bullying typically involves three people: the bully, the bullied, and the bystander. God’s Word speaks to each. . . .
To the bully:
God wants you to examine your heart and life – to see what has led to bullying behavior.
“Search me, God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. See if there is any offensive way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting” (Psalm 139:23–24).
God wants to heal you of any painful wounds that have contributed to bullying behavior.
“O LORD, if you heal me, I will be truly healed; if you save me, I will be truly saved” (Jeremiah 17:14 NLT).
God wants you to seek forgiveness with Him and those you’ve hurt.
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness” (1 John 1:9).
God wants you to change your ways – to stop bullying and do what is right.
“This is what the Sovereign LORD says . . . Give up your violence and oppression and do what is just and right” (Ezekiel 45:9).
To the bullied:
God sees your pain – and cares about you.
“But you, God, see the trouble of the afflicted; you consider their grief and take it in hand. The victims commit themselves to you; you are the helper of the fatherless” (Psalm 10:14).
God is with you – to strengthen you and help you move forward.
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand” (Isaiah 41:10).
God can heal the painful wounds caused by bullying.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds” (Psalm 147:3).
God wants to comfort you – and can use you to help others.
“. . . the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort . . . comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God” (2 Corinthians 1:3–4).
To the bystander:
God does not want you to participate in bullying behavior.
“Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers” (Psalm 1:1).
God does not want you to ignore those who are bullied and abused.
“Don’t excuse yourself by saying, ‘Look, we didn’t know.’ For God understands all hearts, and he sees you. He who guards your soul knows you knew. He will repay all people as their actions deserve” (Proverbs 24:12 NLT).
God wants you to intervene and speak out against bullying.
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed” (Psalm 31:8 NLT).
God wants you to come alongside hurting and seek do what is right.
“Learn to do good. Seek justice. Help the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17 NLT).
Herschel Walker Interview
In case you missed it … A few weeks ago, we sat down with NFL great Herschel Walker as he shared his story of how the Lord helped him overcome bullying and many other obstacles. It’s an encouraging conversation worth your time.
Lifeline to Hope Training Video
Whether you are the bullied, the bully, the bystander, or a concerned parent, you can take action to promote positive change in your family, school, and community. Learn how in this video course:
Keys for Living: Bullying
In the classroom and on social media, from the playground to the nursing home – bullying happens everywhere. In these Keys for Living, learn how you can prevent, stop, intervene, and respond to bullying:
Looking for a Good Book?
The newly revised Keys for Living books will help you grow deeper in your understanding and practical application of Biblical truth.
