Monday, 04 June 2012
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At Another's Expense: Bullying and Persecution
I was bullied when I was younger, not because I was small or awkward, but rather because I was one of the tall kids in class -- and a bit nerdy.Bullying in those days was more of teasing each other, in a mean way. Seems that things really haven't change for the better either.
I realized early on that my peers were providing themselves entertainment at my expense. As I got older I saw kids -- and even adults -- tease other kids and adults.
Again, this was at those people's expense.
This bullying or teasing is not love, as it was mean spirited. Harm of some type -- emotional or physical -- occurred.
At what cost has bullying afforded us as a society? Children committing suicide, and in some cases adults as well. Is this love? Of course not!
Who was bullied the most in History? Christ. He suffered shame and ridicule -- for what? For us. He put Himself in a position to take all the punishment and judgement so we wouldn't have to. But He did warn us that we would be persecuted as well -- because of him.
However, as Christians we haven't set the best example of love either, as History has also shown. The church has persecuted non-Christians as well; remember the Inquisition?
Who are we to Judge? No one really. Persecution is just another form of bullying -- is it not?
Love one Another then. Show compassion, mercy, and understand that the only Bible people really ever see is what we show them through our actions.
Have you or someone you know been bullied or teased? What is the long-term effect of bullying? How can those who have been bullied seek comfort in the example of Christ?
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Comments (11)
I got bullied once in school. I made the bully pay dearly for his mistake.
Word spread.I was never bullied again.
@PrisonerxOfxLove@xanga - That was an excellent "turn the other cheek" example of loving others the way Christ has loved us. I want to be you when I grow up.
@PrisonerxOfxLove@xanga - <~~~ a victim to bully transformation.
@ColdSkivvies@xanga - It's called peace through strength.
Bullies become addicted to their bullying and "turning the other cheek" actually incites and excites, them. Applying the words of Christ in ways that incite violence and malevolent behavior is evil.
So my way was not only effective it was just. For the bully not only abused me but was abusing many others. I stopped him cold. That's also called loving your neighbor.
You people need to start thinking about what you're doing instead of acting like robots.
@PrisonerxOfxLove@xanga - Thank you for your response. It's a very interesting position. Apparently because this bully was hurting other people you felt it was the loving thing to do as a believer to become judge and jury and administer appropriate justice. I certainly don't have any problem with defending those who can't defend themselves but since you have the corner on administering justice I'm curious how far you apply this principle. In this situation you saw bullying as a sin that was hurting innocent people and you felt it was appropriate for you to administer justice. From reading many of your comments it's clear that you also see homosexuality as a sin that hurts innocent people. Do you think it's appropriate for you to deal out "justice" in that situation? Perhaps a little Matthew Shephard style?
@ColdSkivvies@xanga - You don't get to think for me.
I saw the bully having his way with others and did nothing. I figured it was their responsibility to deal with their own affairs.
Having had his way with so many, and feeling very confident and good about himself, the bully finally made his way to me.
I put the fear of God into his black heart.
And nobody ever heard a peep out of him again.
It is people acting justly in their own best interest that helps everyone the most, not butting into peoples' business.
@PrisonerxOfxLove@xanga - I love the way you never actually answer a direct question.
@ColdSkivvies@xanga - Apparently, you've missed many Bible stories of which the little guy stood up for himself and the people. David and Goliath, Moses, and many more. I'm guessing that you're not a Christian, are you? LOL
I was bullied in school by students and even some teachers. There was a time when "payback" was on my mind, I wanted nothing more than for them to feel the way that they had made me feel but now that I am older and understand a bit better the teachings of Christ and I see that as He was being nailed to the cross that He asked for the forgiveness of those same men who were nailing Him to it. I love 1 Corinthians 10:13, "No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is
faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But
when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can
stand up under it."
It may be hard but I wish the best for them and I pray for healing for them that whatever provoked them to treat me that way, they will realize it and heal from it.
And another thing. We live in a society where we tend to feel "entitled" to things more than feeling that the things given to us and having better circumstances are blessings. And hatred breeds hatred. Some people are able to see the way that their parents are and overcome it and wish to be better than that because they know how much it hurt them. Others carry it into their lives with them. =/
@Celtic_haven@xanga - I guess not. According to Curtis, I'm headed to the "dark side" and quickly becoming a "raging, unapologetic atheist." I think he's been watching too many star wars movies.