James 3:17
The wisdom that originates from above sets the pace in innocence; it loves peace; it is always appropriate (polite); persuaded about that which is good; filled with compassion; these fruits are pure goodness and without discrimination. (Mirror Bible)

Are you being bullied or are you a bully?

Bullying is the use of force, threat, or coercion to abuse, intimidate, or aggressively dominate others. You may have encountered a bully in the world. Sadly, bullying happens. You need to know if you have ever been or if you are now the victim of a spiritual bully. This person can be anyone, whether they have a place of authority over your life or not. You expect for men and women of God to treat you with the love of God. Sometimes that is not the case.

Here are some natural indications you might be the victim of bullying:

• You experience physical symptoms when it is time to be in this person’s presence.
• You have changed your personality to accommodate this person.
• You have continual feelings of hurt and anguish when you think about this person.
• You have lost closeness with your friends/family because of your preoccupation with this person.
• Your relationship with this person has produced feelings of helplessness or decreased self-esteem.

In addition to the natural indications, there are also some spiritual indications you might be the victim of bullying:

• This person publicly confronts you without ever having a private conversation (Matthew 18:15).
• This person demands your money, time, etc. without reference to you praying for guidance on giving (2 Corinthians 9:7).
• This person treats you like a personal indentured slave instead of a servant of God (1 Thessalonians 2:6).
• This person controls everything you do (1 Peter 5:3).
• You have exchanged your desire to hear God and replaced it with the desire to hear/please this person (Exodus 20:19).

What do you do in this situation? The same thing you should do in all situations. Go to God. Ask Him to speak to you. Ask Him to help you determine if this is you, why this is happening, and what is causing it.

Philippians 4:6-7 Don’t be pulled in different directions or worried about a thing. Be saturated in prayer throughout each day, offering your faith-filled requests before God with overflowing gratitude. Tell him every detail of your life, 7 then God’s wonderful peace that transcends human understanding, will guard your heart and mind through Jesus Christ. (The Passion Translation TPT)

2 Samuel 21:1 Now there was a famine in the days of David for three years, year after year; and David inquired of the Lord. And the Lord answered, “It is because of Saul and his bloodthirsty house, because he killed the Gibeonites.” (New King James Version NKJV)

 Keep in mind, you don’t wrestle against flesh and blood. Allow God to show you and heal you. Then you will not respond inappropriately.

Proverbs 3:5-7 Trust in the Lord completely, and do not rely on your own opinions. With all your heart rely on him to guide you, and he will lead you in every decision you make. 6 Become intimate with him in whatever you do, and he will lead you wherever you go. 7 Don’t think for a moment that you know it all, for wisdom comes when you adore him with undivided devotion and avoid everything that’s wrong. (The Passion Translation TPT)

There is one more assessment that you have to make. If you are not sure based on the information already provided, here are some signs that you are a bully. You may dismiss these signs or justify your actions if you assess yourself. However, please think about how many times someone else has brought them to your attention.

• You repeatedly upset specific people who interact with you.
• You have a lack of empathy.
• You can get aggressive, i.e., openly shouting, threatening or humiliating someone in front of others.
• You are passive aggressive, veiling your negativity behind fake kindness. “Oh, you are doing it that way, that is so brave”.
• You thrive around insecure people, making yourself feel better by evoking discomfort or insecurity in others.
• You spread malicious rumors.
• You misuse your power or position.

Remember, those who love God treat others with the love of God, including you.

John 13:34 So I give you a new command: Love each other deeply and fully. Remember the ways that I have loved you, and demonstrate your love for others in those same ways. (The Voice TVT)

Please agree with me as I pray:

Father, my heart was heavy and tears came to my eyes as You wrote this through me. I know what it feels like to be bullied. Now, my heart rejoices because I walk in Your deliverance. Thank You for showing me what was wrong. Please forgive me because I know I responded incorrectly, more than once. I repent for not inquiring of You. I did not have the understanding I have now. As I ask you for forgiveness, I forgive those who bullied me. Because I have such a strong personality, I could have hurt someone and caused them to feel bullied. I repent for what I did directly or indirectly. I am sorry. Please heal them as You have healed me. I want to love with a love that is pure and compassionate. I want a love with a love that doesn’t demand. I want a love with a love that shows mercy. Thank You for healing me and teaching me how to love…

_______

Ask the Lord what He wants to say to you about today’s devotional and journal His response as described here.