BULLYING
by Kristine Stanton © 2024"Don't be intimidated in any way by your enemies."
(Philippians 1:28, NLT)
Being odd or different does not give others the license to bully. Cruelty and threatening actions cause emotional upset and are demoralizing—they damage the spirit and soul. Bullying, in any form, is abusive and destructive—it alienates its victims and brings about pain. . .Let's pray there be an end to all forms of bullying in this world.
"Let me not be put to shame, Lord,
for I have cried out to you;
but let the wicked be put to shame."
(Psalm 31:17, NIV)
Have you ever stopped to ponder
the effects of bullying?
For the frail, defenseless victims
it's quite disheartening.
Its behavior hurts and causes
emotional upset,
and the cruelty of its actions
effectuate a threat.
The abuser—the aggressor—
antagonize their prey.
They intimidate their victims
and think that it's okay.
Those receiving harmful insults
internalize their pain.
They're demoralized—discouraged—
from wounds they have obtained.
The attacks they bear up under
don't ever seem to cease.
They continue with a vengeance—
with each day they increase.
Every undefended victim
just wants to run and hide
from those who cause them anguish
and every tear they've cried.
"Contend, LORD, with those who contend with me;
fight against those who fight against me.
Take up shield and armor; arise and come to my aid."
(Psalm35:1-2, NIV)
Let us gather all together
for those who've been oppressed
by the unrelenting bullies
who've caused them to be stressed. . .
LORD, we pray that You come rescue
all those who've been abused—
the ones who've been mistreated—
the ones whose hearts are bruised.
LORD, we also pray that bullies
reform from evil ways.
Change their words, their deeds and actions
to blessings every day.
"In you, LORD, I have taken refuge; let me never be put to shame; deliver me in your righteousness. Turn your ear to me, come quickly to my rescue; be my rock of refuge, a strong fortress to save me," (Psalm 31:1-2, NIV).
