Bullying (Middle School)

Bullying affects everyone in some way. Either we’ve witnessed it, been bullied, or have even bullied someone else. Perhaps all three things have happened this week! The statistics on bullying are shocking. Take a look at the following…

Bullying can be defined as a person who is habitually cruel or overbearing, especially to smaller or weaker people (Dictionary.com). One of the most painful aspects of bullying is its relentlessness. The seemingly never-ending nature of bullying can put a person in a state of constant fear, and guys and girls who are bullied may find their schoolwork and health suffering (kidshealth.org).

In this message we looked at Jesus’ life on earth and reflected on the ways He was bullied and looked into his example to see how He responded.

WAS JESUS BULLIED? - Yes
He faced many of the same things that students face today! He was driven out of towns, often threatened with violence (even being stoned to death), was called names such as a drunkard and demon possessed, and was despised and hated!

Isaiah 53:3 He was despised and rejected—a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief. We turned our backs on him and looked the other way. He was despised, and we did not care.

HOW DID HE GET THROUGH? – He Knew who he was -
It’s crucial that we know who we are to not get distracted by the negative affect of bullying. Sticks and Stones break our bones and Words do to if we do not have a good sense of who we are!

Mark 1:9 One day Jesus came from Nazareth in Galilee, and John baptized him in the Jordan River. 10 As Jesus came up out of the water, he saw the heavens splitting apart and the Holy Spirit descending on him like a dove. 11 And a voice from heaven said, “You are my dearly loved Son, and you bring me great joy.”

HOW DID HE RESPOND? - He responded in Love… forgiving them!

Retaliation is our initial response to bullying. We either fire back ourselves in an attempt of defense or harbor ill feelings for the bully and have a hard time moving past the pain. Forgiveness does not easily rise to the top of our responses but this is how Jesus responded to his attackers.

Luke 23:33-34 - 33 When they came to a place called The Skull, they nailed him to the cross. And the criminals were also crucified—one on his right and one on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice.

We ended the message by looking at Romans 12.

Romans 12: 17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. 18 Do all that you can to live in peace with
everyone. 19 Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say, “I will take revenge; I will pay them back,” says the Lord. 20 Instead, “If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads.” 21 Don’t let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Bullying… Now What?

• Know who you are, A CHILD OF GOD!
• Be aware of YOUR ACTIONS towards others!
• Learn to SHOW LOVE to those around you, even the bullies!
• Either FORGIVE someone or ASK for forgiveness!