There have been a lot of accusations of bullying in Parliament which made me think about my own experiences.
When I look back to my school days I can remember times when I was teased, also times I was bullied by older children.
In the workplace too I have had some unpleasant managers, who used threats and intimidated people. At the time it wasn’t seen as bullying but maybe now it would be. Perceptions change and what was acceptable even 20 years ago is not seen as acceptable today and shouldn’t have been seen as acceptable then either.
It’s all much more complicated now too, as we see cases of cyber-bullying. Where people become keyboard warriors, writing things that they would never dream of saying face to face.
For many people bullying completely destroys their self-confidence, and can even lead to mental health problems. If you’ve been in this situation it’s unlikely you were totally unaffected. It always leaves a scar.
God offers help for those who are struggling in this way. He assures us that he will be with us “Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” Deuteronomy 31:6
Although bullying was not a term used in the Bible we do read about how to behave and not exhibit that behaviour.
”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. We’re also called to love our neighbours as ourselves
If we all held to this we would never be at the risk of bullying anyone and others would not be damaged.