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What does the Bible Say about Bullying? – Viral Believer
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What does the Bible Say about Bullying?

Introduction

Bullying is a pervasive problem that affects people of all ages and backgrounds. It involves intentional and repeated aggressive behavior towards another person, with the intent to harm or intimidate them. As Christians, we are called to love one another and treat others with kindness and respect.

In this blog post, we will explore what the Bible says about bullying and how we, as Christians, should respond to it.

The Bible provides us with several examples of bullying, both in the Old and New Testaments. In the Old Testament, we see examples of Cain and Abel, Joseph and his brothers, and David and Goliath.

In the New Testament, we see examples of Jesus and the Pharisees, Paul and the Corinthians, and Stephen and his persecutors. By examining these examples, we can gain insight into how to respond to bullying from a biblical perspective.

Biblical teachings on bullying focus on treating others with kindness, respect, and love. We are called to love one another, to not repay evil with evil, and to turn the other cheek when someone harms us.

The Bible also provides us with examples of how to respond to bullyings, such as David’s faith in God, Jesus’ forgiveness and love, and Paul’s perseverance and commitment to preaching the Gospel.

As Christians, we have a responsibility to stand up against bullying and create a culture of kindness and respect that honors God.

bullying in the Bible

Bullying in the Old Testament

The Old Testament provides several examples of bullying. One such example is the story of Cain and Abel. Cain was jealous of Abel and his offerings to God. In a fit of rage, Cain murdered his brother Abel (Genesis 4:1-16).

Joseph, the son of Jacob, was also bullied by his brothers. They were envious of him and sold him into slavery (Genesis 37:12-36). David, who would later become king, was bullied by the Philistine giant Goliath. Goliath taunted and threatened the Israelites, but David, with faith in God, defeated him (1 Samuel 17:1-58).

Bullying in the New Testament

The New Testament also provides examples of bullying. Jesus was often bullied by the Pharisees, who were envious of his teachings and popularity among the people. They plotted to have him arrested and killed (Matthew 26:1-5).

The apostle Paul was also bullied by the Corinthians. They questioned his authority and spread rumors about him, causing him great distress (2 Corinthians 10:10-11). Stephen, one of the first Christian martyrs, was bullied and stoned to death by the Jewish leaders (Acts 7:54-60).

Biblical Teachings on Bullying

The Bible teaches us to treat others with kindness, respect, and love. As Christians, we are called to love one another (John 13:34-35) and to do unto others as we would have them do unto us (Matthew 7:12).

We should not repay evil with evil (Romans 12:17) but overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek when someone slaps us (Matthew 5:39) and to forgive one another (Matthew 18:21-22).

Biblical Examples of Responding to Bullying

The Bible provides us with examples of how to respond to bullying. David responded to Goliath with faith in God and defeated him with a single stone (1 Samuel 17:48-50). Take note that David had to respond with physical force against Goliath.

However, Jesus responded to his persecutors with love and forgiveness, even as they crucified him (Luke 23:34). Paul responded to the Corinthians by continuing to preach the Gospel, even in the face of opposition and persecution (2 Corinthians 4:7-10).

These examples show that the responses to bullying in the Bible are as varied as the type of bullies being dealt with.

The Role of Christians in Addressing Bullying

As Christians, we have a responsibility to address bullying. We should speak out against bullying and offer support to those who have been bullied.

We should also hold bullies accountable for their actions and help them to understand the harm they have caused. By standing up against bullying, we can create a culture of kindness and respect that honors God.

Conclusion

In conclusion, bullying is a problem that goes against the teachings of the Bible. The Bible teaches us to love one another, treat others with kindness and respect, and respond to bullying with faith, forgiveness, and love.

By following these teachings and examples, we can create a culture of kindness and respect that honors God.

As Christians, we have a responsibility to speak out against bullying, offer support to those who have been bullied, hold bullies accountable for their actions, and demand that they stop.

By doing so, we can help to prevent and stop bullying and create a safe and loving environment for all.

Let us strive to follow the example of Jesus and other biblical figures and respond to bullying with faith, forgiveness, love, and if need be, force.

By doing so, we can make a positive impact on our homes, schools, and communities, and honor God in all that we do. Let us stand up against bullying and create a culture of kindness and respect that reflects the teachings of the Bible.

Pastor Duke Taber
Pastor Duke Taber

Pastor Duke Taber

All articles have been written or reviewed by Pastor Duke Taber.
Pastor Duke Taber is an alumnus of Life Pacific University and Multnomah Biblical Seminary.
He has been in pastoral ministry since 1988.
Today he is the owner and managing editor of 3 successful Christian websites that support missionaries around the world.
He is currently starting a brand new church in Mesquite NV called Mesquite Worship Center, a Non-Denominational Spirit Filled Christian church in Mesquite Nevada.