Bullying: A Sinful Behavior And Its Impact

Bullying is a violation of the most fundamental principles of Christianity. Although the Bible does not mention the word bullying, it does contain clear verses that relate to the topic. Christians are called to love and serve others above themselves, and to build them up with their words and actions. This is the opposite of what a bully does. Therefore, it can be concluded that bullying is a sin.

Is bullying a violation of the fundamental principles of Christianity?

Bullying is a violation of the fundamental principles of Christianity. The Bible doesn't mention the word "bullying" specifically, but it does include clear verses that relate to the topic. The Bible teaches that Christians should love and serve others above themselves. Jesus demonstrated God's view of how we should love by taking on the role of a servant. As the Son of God, he had the right to come to this world as a king, but instead, he came in humility and put others before himself.

The Bible is clear that Christians are to love others as much as they naturally love themselves. In John 15:12, Jesus says, "This is my commandment, that you love one another as I [Jesus] have loved you." This is reinforced in Luke 10:27, where Jesus answers, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, 'Love your neighbour as yourself."

The Bible also provides guidance on how to respond to bullying. When being bullied, a right response might be turning the other cheek, as Jesus taught in Matthew 5:38–42. This means refraining from retaliating to personal slights and insults. However, in other cases, particularly if the bullying is physical, self-defence may be appropriate. While Christians are called to be loving and forgiving, they should not be permissive of evil.

Additionally, when witnessing bullying, it may be appropriate to step in and help prevent the attack. It is important to stand up for the weak and defend those being bullied. Christians are urged to warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, and be patient with everyone (1 Thessalonians 5:14-15).

In summary, bullying is a violation of the fundamental Christian principles of love, service, and defence of the weak. Christians are called to respond to bullying with love, forgiveness, and appropriate action to prevent harm.

What does the Bible say about bullying?

While the Bible doesn't mention the word "bullying", it does contain several verses that address the topic. The Bible is clear that Christians are to love others as much as they love themselves, and to put others before them. This is demonstrated by Jesus, who, as the Son of God, came to Earth in humility and served others.

> "Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death—even death on a cross!" — Philippians 2:3-8

Jesus also said:

> "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind; and, 'Love your neighbour as yourself.'" — Luke 10:27

The Bible teaches that we should build others up with our words and actions, which is the opposite of what a bully does. We are also taught that anyone who hates another person is still in the dark spiritually, and that we should turn away from our old sinful ways and live lives of love, righteousness, and peace with others.

> "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others." — Philippians 2:3

>

> "Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." — Ephesians 4:29-32

The Bible also provides guidance on how to respond when being bullied. God teaches that we should not respond in anger with harsh words or fighting, but instead with gentleness and love.

> "A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger." — Proverbs 15:1

We are also taught to forgive those who bully us, just as Jesus forgave.

> "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'" — Matthew 18:21-22

Additionally, we can take comfort in the knowledge that Jesus faced trials while on Earth, and that he understands our suffering. We can cast our troubles onto God in prayer, and he will hear us and answer.

> "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." — Hebrews 4:14-16

When witnessing bullying, Christians are urged to defend the weak and help prevent the attack. We can do this by stepping in, reporting the bully to the proper authorities, or talking to the victim after the incident.

> "If your son or daughter is getting bullied at school or you are a parent dealing with a distressed child who is being bullied right now. Call us [...] We can help with practical advice that's proven to stop bullying or help you approach the school to address the situation."

How should Christians respond to bullying?

Bullying is a violation of the most fundamental principles of Christianity. The Bible is clear that Christians are to love others as much as they naturally love themselves. Jesus demonstrated this by taking on the role of a servant, putting others before himself.

> He answered, “‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’; and, ‘Love your neighbour as yourself.’” – Luke 10:27

> “So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matt 7:12)

The Bible teaches that we should build others up with our words and actions, which is the opposite of what a bully does.

> Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.

> Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.

Ephesians 4:29-32

When responding to bullying, the Bible teaches that we should not respond in anger with harsh words or fighting. Instead, we should respond in gentleness and love.

> A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. – Proverbs 15:1

> Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy. Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God. Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.

Matthew 5:7-12

We should forgive those who bully us, just as Jesus forgave.

> Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times. – Matthew 18:21-22

We should also take comfort in the fact that Jesus faced the same trials while he was on earth, and now he is in heaven serving as our high priest, bringing our prayers before God the Father.

> Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.

Hebrews 4:14-16

When witnessing bullying, Christians should step in and help prevent the attack. We should not demonize bullies and think of them as hateful people. Every human being is born a sinner, and we all need salvation in Jesus. We should pray that the bully would have a change of heart and know God’s salvation.

> God’s wisdom is necessary in all instances of confronting bullying. Those who follow Christ have the Holy Spirit living within them. He helps us to understand God’s Word and can guide us and equip us to obey God in whatever situation we find ourselves.

We should also pray for the victim, and help them with any needs, including reporting the incident.

> Certainly, a Christian could talk with a victim of bullying after the incident and help the victim with any needs, including assistance in reporting the incident.

What is God's response to bullying?

Bullying is a violation of the most fundamental principles of Christianity. The Bible is clear that Christians are to love others as much as they naturally love themselves. Jesus demonstrated God's view of how we should love by taking on the role of a servant.

The Bible teaches that we should not respond to bullying with anger, harsh words, or fighting. Instead, we should respond in gentleness and love, taking comfort in Jesus' words that we are blessed when we are persecuted. We should forgive those who bully us, just as Jesus forgave.

When witnessing bullying, it may be appropriate to step in and help prevent the attack. We can also report the bully to the proper authorities. It is not wrong for a child in school to alert their teacher about bullies, or for a person to report a con artist to the police.

Christians are called to love others and to look out for those who are weaker. We should not intimidate or manipulate people. We should build them up with our words and actions.

God wants us to show his character in the way that we live our lives. We should show love to the outcast, broken, or weak. When we don't defend someone, we are sinning.

The Bible offers hope to those being bullied. We are God's precious creation, and our value is not dependent on the opinions of others.

What is the psychological impact of bullying?

Bullying can have a detrimental impact on mental health, affecting not only the victim but also the bully and bystanders. Victims of bullying are at a greater risk of mental and behavioural problems, including depression, anxiety, loneliness, and suicidal ideation. The negative effects of bullying can persist into adulthood, with victims experiencing anxiety and depression, poor financial management, and poor career success.

Bullying can also lead to lower grades, a dislike of school, and absenteeism in school-aged children. It can cause stress, emotional issues, social problems, and physical disorders, and in severe cases, self-harm or even death.

Bullies themselves are also at risk of poor mental health, with studies finding that they exhibit anti-social behaviours, substance misuse, and aggressive behaviours. They are also at an increased risk of mental health problems such as antisocial personality disorder.

Bystanders to bullying are not immune to the psychological impacts, with increased anxiety and depression being common among those who witness bullying. The stress and anxiety of bystanders may be related to a fear of retaliation and guilt for not intervening.

Frequently asked questions