Overcoming Darkness with Light: A Lesson on Bullying
Notes
Transcript
**Title: "Overcoming Darkness with Light: A Lesson on Bullying"**
**Introduction:**
Today, we reflect on a topic that affects many lives—**bullying**. Whether in schools, workplaces, or even within our own families, the pain caused by bullying is real. But as followers of Christ, we have a unique perspective on how to respond. Let us delve into God's Word and discover how we can be a light in the darkness.
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People usually know what bullying is when they see it, but it’s sometimes hard to put it into words. Researchers who study bullying cite three common characteristics of what makes an act bullying:
Bullying is intentional and tries to cause harm or distress to the victim.
Bullying occurs between two students who have different degrees of power.
Bullying happens repeatedly over a period of time.
**I. Understanding Bullying:**
Bullying takes various forms—verbal, physical, relational, and cyber. It thrives on power imbalances, fear, and cruelty. Victims often suffer silently, feeling isolated and broken. But remember, Jesus Himself faced ridicule, false accusations, and rejection. He understands our pain.
There are 4 types of bullying that occur:
Physical: Hitting, kicking, spitting, tripping, pushing, breaking someone’s things, rude gestures
Verbal: Teasing, name-calling, threats, inappropriate sexual comments, taunting
Social: Leaving someone out of a group on purpose, telling others not to be friends with them, publicly embarrassing them, spreading gossip or rumors about someone, etc.
Cyber: Harassment via email or social media.
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Several characters in the Bible were bullied:
Joseph
David
Daniel
Elijah
Elisha
Jesus
Stephen
When they heard these things, they were enraged and gnashed their teeth at him. Stephen, full of the Holy Spirit, gazed into heaven. He saw the glory of God, and Jesus standing at the right hand of God. He said, “Look, I see the heavens opened and the Son of Man standing at the right hand of God!”
They yelled at the top of their voices, covered their ears, and together rushed against him. They dragged him out of the city and began to stone him. And the witnesses laid their garments at the feet of a young man named Saul. While they were stoning Stephen, he called out, “Lord Jesus, receive my spirit!” He knelt down and cried out with a loud voice, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them!” And after saying this, he fell asleep.
**II. The Light of Love:**
In **1 John 4:7-8**, we read, "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God because God is love." Love is our weapon against bullying. When we love our enemies, we break the cycle of hate.
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**III. Responding with Grace:**
Jesus taught us to turn the other cheek (**Matthew 5:39**). This doesn't mean weakness; it's strength under control. When someone bullies us, we choose grace over retaliation. Our response matters. Kindness disarms hatred.
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**IV. The Power of Forgiveness:**
In **Matthew 18:21-22**, Peter asked Jesus how many times he should forgive. Jesus replied, "Not seven times, but seventy-seven times." Forgiveness liberates us from bitterness. It doesn't excuse the wrong but releases us from its grip.
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**V. Standing Up for Others:**
**Proverbs 31:8-9** says, "Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy." As Christians, we must be advocates for the bullied, using our voices to bring justice.
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**VI. The Armor of God:**
In **Ephesians 6:10-18**, Paul describes the spiritual armor. We need it daily. The belt of truth—knowing our worth in Christ. The breastplate of righteousness—living with integrity. The shoes of peace—walking in forgiveness. The shield of faith—trusting God's protection. The helmet of salvation—knowing we are secure. The sword of the Spirit—God's Word.
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**VII. Praying for Transformation:**
Pray for the bully. Pray for the victim. Pray for change. God can transform hearts. Remember, Saul, who persecuted Christians, became Paul, the apostle. Our prayers can be a catalyst for redemption.
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**Conclusion:**
Reach out to the hurting. Speak words of encouragement. Stand up against injustice. And when you feel overwhelmed, remember **Psalm 34:17-18**: "The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit."
May God's love empower us to combat bullying, one act of kindness at a time. Amen. 🙏