Don't Be Bullied

No one likes to be bullied, but it has become a big problem. Young people commit suicide before they finish high school because of what someone said on Facebook or in a text message. It doesn't have to be like that.

I was taller than most boys in the sixth grade and I looked more like a woman than a kid. My peers thought there was something wrong with me, like I failed a grade or something. One afternoon after school a large group of boys locked me inside their circle and would not let me out until they touched me or pinched me on the butt. I stood there, covering myself until the last one pinched me. Then I ran home crying. My mom marched me back to the school to talk with the principal.

"No, Mom! I won't tattle," I shouted at her. "I have to go to school with those boys. It will only make things worse."

"You are not tattling. This is how we deal with this."

Mom was right. The boys never bothered me again after we talked to the principal. It seemed like they even showed me respect.

Think About It
Jesus was bullied by the chief priests, elders and Pharisees. They didn't like His message or miracles and they wanted to kill Him. Jesus stood up to His adversaries, who had no love for God in their hearts. He said it like it was. He called them hypocrites, blind guides and white-washed tombs. Jesus spoke the truth and died for it.  You probably will never die for telling the truth, but you can find assurance in knowing that Jesus has been bullied. Here are some things you can do when it happens to you:

• Know that God loves you, that you are special. 
• Don't believe the bully. Focus on Jesus and your life with Him.
• If the bully provokes you to fight or argue, you can say, "I don't do that." 
• Show them respect. Don't be afraid. Stand up straight and walk confidently. If you're a musician, you could ask the bully what instrument he plays.
• Don't react or retaliate. Pray for your adversary. Jesus did. Most bullies are hurting and they use bully techniques to feel important or powerful.
• Tell an adult (teacher, parent, pastor, Sunday school teacher). I did. 
• Avoid places where the bully goes. Walk a different way home. Don't go to the cafeteria when he goes.

Here are links to websites with more help:
www.bullying.org
www.pacer.org/bullying
www.itgetssbetter.org

Pray About It
Lord Jesus, thank You for your promise never to leave me or forsake me. It is good to know You faced bullies even in Your day. Strengthen me against the kids who ridicule me. Help me to shine Your light on them. Amen.

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