10 Biblical Truths on Bullying
You see it everywhere – social media, classrooms, playgrounds, workplaces, and nursing homes. Bullying has become a growing problem in our world with effects ranging from poor self-worth, difficulties at school and work, relationship issues, mental health challenges, and even suicide. Despite its prevalence and devastation, we can do something about it.
Bullying situations typically involve at least three people: the bully, bullied, and the bystander. God’s Word speaks to all three, providing guidance to prevent, stop, intervene, and respond to this destructive issue.
“Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path.”
(Psalm 119:105)
10 Biblical Truths on Bullying
God sees your pain and cares about your suffering.
“You have seen my troubles,
and you care about the anguish of my soul.”
(Psalm 31:7 NLT)
God understands the pain of being bullied, harassed, and abused.
“He [Jesus] was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.”
(Isaiah 53:3)
God offers healing to those who have been hurt by bullying.
“He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.”
(Psalm 147:3)
God can redeem your painful experiences and use them for His good purposes.
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.”
(Genesis 50:20)
God calls for bullies to change their abusive, violent ways.
“Give up your violence and oppression and do what is just and right.”
(Ezekiel 45:9)
God offers complete forgiveness to those who turn to Him in repentance.
“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 bystanders to intervene and help those who are being hurt by bullies.
“Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to act.”
(Proverbs 3:27)
God does not want bystanders to turn a blind eye to those being bullied and treated unjustly.
“Rescue those being led away to death; hold back those staggering toward slaughter. If you say, ‘But we knew nothing about this,’ does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? Does not he who guards your life know it? Will he not repay everyone according to what they have done?”
(Proverbs 24:11–12)
God will hold each person accountable for their actions, including bullies and bystanders.
“Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account.”
(Hebrews 4:13)
God wants you to defend and stand up for the oppressed, weak, and bullied.
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.”
(Psalm 82:3)
This article is adapted from our Keys for Living book, Bullying: Bullied – No More!
