I have been overwhelmed with grief for what I have seen in the news in the past month.  Three young people across the nation, the youngest being a twelve-year-old girl, have ended their lives feeling that they couldn't suffer being bullied any longer.  I know that these cases are of an extreme nature, but intimidation and tormenting abound. I feel the utmost urge, if nothing else to teach our children the value of kindness.  I want them to be equipped with the knowledge of what God has to say about how we treat others.  I want them to be reminded that showing God's love is a big deal, much more so than anything else we do.  The following is a devotion that will be done with our pre-teen girls at our God's Girlies Event tomorrow.  Read it, or don't, but please pray for the event.  Pray that the girls would be open to hearing from God and that they would be willing to be agents of change.

Banishing Bullying

Do you know the lingo?

WORD BANK:

getting help          victim          bullying

bystander             getting directly involved

upstander

-an aggressive intentional act or behavior that is carried out by an individual or group repeatedly over time against a victim who cannot easily defend themself ____________

-the target of bullying ____________

-everyone (in addition to the victim and bully) who is present during a bullying incident or is aware of an incident ____________

-goes against the tide to protect a victim from injustice____________

Bystanders can become upstanders by ____________ or ____________

 

Chances are you have played more than one of these roles through time.  Maybe you have been a victim, bystander and upstander on different occasions.  It could be that you have even participated in bullying.  It's a good thing that God has something he lovingly says to each of us.

What God has to say to us about bullying

 

Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouth, but only such as is good for building up...... Ephesians 4:29

Bambi's bud Thumper learned right from his mama, "If you can't say sumpthin' nice, don't say...... nuthin' at all.

 

Keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking deceit. Psalm 34:13

Not only should you keep yourself from saying mean and untrue things, STAY AWAY from others who speak evil and untruth.

 

Oh the joys of those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or stand around with sinners, or join in with mockers,  But they delight in the law of the LORD meditating on it day and night. Psalm 1:1-2

Like our parents, He tells us more than once not to be a part, even as a bystander, of bad behavior. He tells us that our attention is better spent reading, thinking about and practicing what he tells us in His word.

 

Proverbs lists out "6 things God hates and seven things that are detestable.  I know I don't want to be a part of anything like that.

haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community. Proverbs 6:16-19

You're probably thinking I've never busted somebody up to bleeding, but God puts blood-spilling right in the middle of lies, general trouble-making and a mean-spirited plan-making heart.  You don't have to physically hurt someone to really hurt them.

 

And the King will answer them, Truly I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me. Matthew 25:40

Standing up for someone because you know it's what God wants you to do is an act of service to Him.  It's a two-fer!  You've come to the aid of the person being bullied and you've served God.

 

Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. Proverbs 11:14

If you are safe to stand up to someone who is bullying, do so, but remember that there are adults that are nearby who want to help.  Be a counselor or go get one.

 

And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them. Luke 6:31

I can't think of a single sane person who would want to be bullied or a person who would want to be laughed at or have a crowd staring at them while they are being purposely humiliated.  You'd want to be defended if it were you, so help out; be the person you'd want on your side in time of trouble.

 

Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness and patience, bearing with one another... Colossians 3:12

"Putting on" those characteristics my friends, I PROMISE YOU, is far more important than putting on your favorite jeans.

 

In all of these tribulations we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. Romans 8:35

Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. Proverbs 3:5

The name of the LORD is a strong tower; the righteous run to it and are safe.  Proverbs 18:10

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

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace.  In this world you will have trouble.  But take heart, I have overcome the world.  John 16:33

Life isn't always easy.  Sometimes we find ourselves in a place where it never seems easy. This world is by no means a perfect place.  That's why we do best to remember that God is our guide.  He's our salvation; our protector, the one who forever and completely loves us.  He will get us through the bad times if we trust in Him.  Don't forget that he put people in your life, like your mom and dad and your grandparents or that special aunt or teacher.  They're there to help you.  But unlike God who knows all, sometimes you have to let them know what you're going through.

You're being prayed for. For the one who has behaved badly time and time again towards another person, Stop!  Ask for God's forgiveness and for his help in being more kind.  For the ones who stand by and laugh or do nothing at all, be mindful that it's always right to stand up.  And for the one who suffers at the hand of people who have no understanding or concern for their actions, hang in there.  Hang on to prayer and the words of God. You are loved more than you feel. God will help you through.