Bullies

How God can help you deal with bullies

Arabic

The UK soap Coronation Street is featuring a storyline about a teenage boy who searched online for ways to kill himself after being bullied.

The boy, Liam Connor, ended up in deep despair after being bullied for months by a gang of boys.

Bullying isn’t new. In the Bible, two teenagers, Joseph, and David were both bullied by their older brothers.

But the influence of the internet is a disturbing trend.

So, where does God fit in? What can he do to help kids like Liam?

God is practical.

First, he promises to empower us when we’re afraid. 1 Timothy 1:7 says: ‘God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind.’

That means he will help you overcome the fear of standing up for yourself, and of speaking out and asking for help. You don’t have to suffer on your own.

Second, God says he will protect you. Deuteronomy 31:6 says: ‘Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you. He will never leave you nor forsake you.’

That’s not an empty promise. Last year, a 12-year-old boy in my church prayed that verse after being bullied on the way to school. And God intervened straight away. The boy unexpectedly made friends with some older teenagers who looked out for him.

Third, Father God sets you a challenge – to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21). He invites you to bless those who curse you and pray for those who mistreat you (Romans 6:28).

That sounds tough, and even unfair. But it’s God’s chance to show you that prayer works, and that he does things differently.

Joseph and David overcame rough treatment from bullies with God’s help. And God turned things round – they both ended up as leaders, with authority over their tormenters.

Prayer is the key. When things get tough, don’t go to self-harm forums. Instead, save this verse on your cell phone or device: ‘For I am the Lord your God who takes hold of your right hand and says to you, Do not fear; I will help you’ (Isaiah 41:13).

Then ask God to keep his promises. He will.

Cleland Thom helps to lead Freedom Church, a praying community in the UK.