Bullying is a problem that many people deal with daily. It is when someone acts violently toward another person verbally, socially, physically, or via technology because they believe they are superior to or more powerful than them. So, is bullying a sin in the Bible?
Bullies hurt someone more than once out of retaliation or rage. Bullying practices often repeat themselves and can have tragic outcomes.
Bullying is evil, and God has instructed us to respond through the Bible.
Here are some biblical verses regarding bullying.
The Bible’s Stand About Bullying
The Bible does not explicitly address bullying. The term is not literally mentioned, but that doesn’t mean we can’t utilize biblical principles to solve the problem.
The Bible encourages us to treat people with respect and to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) (Luke 6:31). The Christian faith forbids insulting or mistreating others. Regardless of how others appear or behave, God made every individual in His likeness (Genesis 1:26-27; James 3:9–10). Thus, they deserve the respect that God accords to all people.
As Christians, we are obligated to glorify God in our words and deeds (Eph. 4:29) (James 1:22). We should continually evaluate our motives and behaviors to ensure we keep these norms. Always think if our actions and behavior would make God angry (Psa. 139:23-24).
Is it Wrong to Fight Back Against Bullies?
Bullying cannot be eliminated by ignoring it, and seeking retaliation is also not an option. God teaches us not to punish evil with evil but to forgive and to trust Him to deliver justice when others harm us (or our children).
If your child is getting bullied at school, collaborate with your child and other responsible adults. According to the Bible, “plans collapse for lack of counsel, but they flourish with numerous counselors” (Proverbs 15:22). Ask another Christ-follower for counsel who can provide a biblical viewpoint.
Keep an eye on whether or not things are improving. God speaks of teaching children about our faith as a constant conversation between parents and their children, not as a class or a family gathering (Deuteronomy 6:6-9). Helping our kids through adversity is comparable to this; it involves having numerous dialogues over an extended period.
Include your children in wholesome relationships and pursuits. In the long run, a spiritual discipline that will benefit our children and us is learning to concentrate on what is positive (Philippians 4:8).
Bullies want their victims to experience isolation and fear. These lies can be fought with conversation. Share your experiences with bullying and pose questions. God helps us to overcome adversity so that we might spread the consolation we have experienced to others (2 Corinthians 1:4).
How to Respond Against Bullying as Christians
Think about verses like Psalm 139:13–18. This passage declares that God has many thoughts about you and that you are fearfully and wonderfully made. The truth that God says about you is actual, so do not let the lies that bullies tell you to affect how you view yourself.
It can be pretty simple to lose sight of who we are in Christ. We may overlook how he has called us to live when we are going through a difficult situation. A few things should be considered if we ever find ourselves the target of bullying.
We must not attempt to avenge a bully or seek retaliation (Rom. 12:17). Christians are aware that this world is imperfect, but we are not the ones who should judge it.
Only God has the power to rightly judge the universe and punish everyone for their sins (Rom. 12:19).
Give your bully a loving and caring response. I am aware that it is simpler said than done.
Feeling angry, sad, or discouraged about your circumstance is simple. Your emotions sometimes come with the urge to want to exact revenge.
But remember that the Bible instructs us to love our adversaries and to pray for them (Matt. 5:44).
Bottom Line
God’s wisdom is required in every situation where bullying is being addressed. The Holy Spirit resides within those who follow Christ. He assists us in comprehending God’s Word and can lead and prepare us to follow God in every circumstance.
God has been incredibly merciful to us. We can demonstrate this trait to others by doing the following:
- not bullying
- standing up for the defenseless
- being ready to forgive
- preventing bullying through proper social channels
- praying for those who bully and those who are bullied
God’s love and grace can heal every wound. He is the only one who can offer healing, restoration, and change, regardless of whether bullying is motivated by previous wrongs or just the sinful nature.
It is appropriate to pray for bullies as well as their targets at all times. Similarly, when we experience bullying, we can pray to God for comfort and healing.
