Bullying people might seem normal today, but what does the Bible teach us about this behavior? Over the years, many have accepted it as part of a growing-up experience.
The American Medical Association confirmed that nearly half of students experience bullying after school. It is a growing problem in society and is now discussed more often than before.
Still, people do not say much about it and allow most cases to slide. However, as a fellow believer, there are ways God wants us to respond to the mistreatment of others. But before we get into that, let us understand what bullying is.
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According to the American Psychological Association, bullying is an aggressive physical behavior or verbal abuse directed toward other people. And there is more to this, as the victims are targeted and not just random people. Additionally, every case of bullying shares common characteristics. One of them is that the goal is to cause pain or misery for the victim.
Another thing about bullying is that it mostly happens between two individuals of different levels or degrees. To add to this, it could be a difference in age, position, rank, or strength. For instance, those in higher levels or positions bully those below them. And the strong bully those weaker than them.
Furthermore, bullying goes on for a while; it happens more than once. In other words, the victim experiences constant hell. Bullying is not always physical; it comes in different forms, and terrible things happen in all of them.
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Of course, the most popular is physical bullying, which involves beating up the victim, playing dangerous pranks, and damaging property. There is also verbal bullying, which is also very common. Here, you see acts like name-calling, taunting, body shaming, and even improper sexual comments.
Modern innovations and the increased use of computers have made a lot of things easier, and bullying is not an exception. Today, cyberbullying is on the rise as cellphones. It happens through texts, emails, and social media. Even when you think bullying mostly happens in middle school or high school, you hear of workplace bullying now. Yes, adults can be bullied too!
What Does the Bible Teach Us About Bullying?
Understand that “bullying,” as a term, does not appear anywhere in the Bible. No verse in the scriptures directly addresses the act of bullying. But this does not mean the Bible is silent about it.
There are biblical principles that guide us to know that bullying is wrong. These principles teach us how to treat people in the way that is right in the eyes of the Lord. Jesus Christ taught the golden rule, which is treating people the way we want to be treated (Luke 6:31). No one likes to be bullied, so that alone tells us it is wrong.
The Holy Bible also tells us that everyone is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:26–27). This means every human being has value. Intimidating others because you feel you are better than them is wrong in the eyes of the Lord because we are all the same to Him.
As children of God, we should only let words that encourage, build, or heal come out of our mouths. In the New Testament, Apostle Paul said, “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29).
People bully for many reasons, and it can happen at any age. Most of the time, it has more to do with what the bully is going through than with anything the victim has done.
Some people bully because they feel insecure, jealous, or angry. Others may be dealing with a difficult situation at home or emotional trauma. Some of them might even feel powerless in their own lives. For this reason, they try to gain control by hurting someone else.
Bullying can also be a way to gain attention or approval from others. Instead of facing their own struggles, they shift the focus by targeting someone else. Above all, this does not excuse bullying at all. It is always wrong to bully people. But understanding why it happens can help us respond better.
How Do Christians Deal With Bullying?
Now you know that our Christian faith does not support any form of bullying. In light of this, here are a few ways to deal with this issue as a child of God.
1. Speak Up: Do Not Let it Slide
Do not keep situations like this to yourself. Even if you are not the victim and just an observer, let others know about it. As per research, only a very small percentage of students who are bullied report.
If your child is being bullied, don’t assume it’s not a serious issue, but instead take the situation seriously. A much better approach is to report any act of bullying to the proper authorities. It goes a long way in preventing future bullying.
And as a believer in Christ, you should not feel discouraged from going to any authority figure. God remains the ultimate authority figure, but he also established human authorities himself (Romans 13:1). In this case, the police or even the school administration can help to address the situation.
So, always confront an act of bullying immediately you notice it is happening. Some situations can be very dangerous, and you need to let the police or trusted authorities handle them.
Reporting acts of bullying protects you, the victim, and others around you who could face the same. On the other hand, keeping quiet about it only lets it go on. Bullies will keep bullying, as they fear no consequences for their actions.
2. Remember Who You Are in Christ
One of the most important ways to deal with bullying is to know who you are in Christ. When you understand your true identity, words meant to hurt you lose their power. Psalm 139:13–18 reminds us that God made each of us carefully and with purpose. Bear in mind that you are not an accident, but a fearfully and wonderfully individual.
Bullies may try to define you with lies, but it is what God says about you that truly matters. Hence, when you begin to give in and doubt yourself, return to God’s Word. Meditate on the verses that remind you of the truth. Hold on to it to build confidence and gain peace of mind during such a difficult time.
3. Turn the Other Cheek
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1). When someone bullies or hurts you, it is natural to want to fight back. But God wants us to respond differently. “But I say to you, do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also” (Matthew 5:39).
Bullying is awful, and you might feel the urge to get back at bullies. However, you should not allow your vengeful thoughts to win. God is the true judge and will deal with wrongdoing in His time (Romans 12:17, 19). In addition, Christ Jesus calls us to respond with love and prayer, even when it is hard (Matthew 5:44).
At the same time, being Christ-like does not mean allowing abuse. Turning the other cheek is about choosing peace. It does not mean you should ignore your safety. Remember, it is okay to speak up, set boundaries, and protect yourself when needed.
4.Show Up for Those Who Are Hurting
Another simple way to respond to bullying is by reaching out to the victims of bullying. Befriend them, speak with them, or invite them to spend time with you. These small gestures help the victims feel seen, accepted, and less alone.
Being part of a group can also discourage bullying, since bullies often target those who are alone. It would also make them not join dangerous groups and do bad things just to get back at bullies.
While speaking with them, encourage and remind them of their worth. Sometimes just listening to them does a lot. There is so much comfort and healing that comes with feeling heard.
5. Treat Bullies Like Human Beings
Believe me when I say, it is easy to label bullies as bad or mean people. However, God does not want us to see them that way. While we should never accept or ignore wrong behavior, we should not push bullies away.
Even if you are a victim, do not try to make them enemies. We are all sinners and in need of salvation through Jesus Christ (Romans 3:23). Bullies do not remain that way forever. With the proper guidance and God’s divine intervention, they can also have a change of heart.
So, do well to remember them in your daily prayers. Our heavenly Father is the one who brings true healing and change. He can restore both those who are hurt and those who cause harm. Saul, later Paul, persecuted Christians until he encountered Jesus. The same can happen to a simple bully.
Anyone who hates a brother or sister is a murderer, and you know that no murderer has eternal life residing in him.
2. Proverbs 6:16-19
There are six things that the Lord hates, seven that are an abomination to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked plans, feet that make haste to run to evil, a false witness who breathes out lies, and one who sows discord among brothers.
3. Mark 12:31
The second is this: ‘You shall love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no other commandment greater than these.
4. Luke 6:27-28
But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
5. 1 John 2:9
Whoever says he is in the light and hates his brother is still in darkness.
6. Leviticus 19:18
You shall not take vengeance or bear a grudge against the sons of your own people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself: I am the Lord.
7. Matthew 5:11
Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.
8. Romans 2:1
Therefore you have no excuse, O man, every one of you who judges. For in passing judgment on another you condemn yourself, because you, the judge, practice the very same things.
6. Romans 12:18-19
If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.”
10. Proverbs 12:18
There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.
11. Romans 12:20-21
To the contrary, “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Final Thoughts
Never ignore mistreatment, whether it is happening to you or to someone else. Bullying can be a difficult situation, so involving the right authorities is wise. The support of family, friends, and even the church helps in many ways.
Usually, being picked on or laughed at can really hurt. Over time, it can make you feel like you don’t matter. But you are not alone; our Lord Jesus was also mocked and rejected. So, he understands your pain better than anyone. He sees what you are going through and cares deeply about you.
Remember, a bully is not an evil person. God’s desire is that they enter the kingdom of heaven, too. Pray for them and have faith that their lives will turn around, all to the glory of God.
Kennie Oguntoyinbo is a freelance content writer, editor and proofreader with over 4 years of experience. She is highly skilled in creating captivating and informative content across the Christian, relationship, and parenting niches. With a deep love for Christian-related articles, she writes content that inspires the readers, combining biblical lessons with practical knowledge. Whether writing devotional blogs, relationship advice, or family-focused articles, she aims to glorify God while connecting with readers through relatable, encouraging, faith-driven articles.
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