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Relationship Topics
When Your Child Is Bullied
What Does the Bible Say?
While the Bible doesn’t use the word “bully,” it offers plenty of guidance on how to treat our enemies. Look at these verses with your child if he’s dealing with this problem. Talk together about how he can use these ideas the next time he’s confronted by a bully. Remind him that his attitude about the person harassing him may be more important than his actions.
• “Do not gloat when your enemy fails; when he stumbles, do not let your heart rejoice” (Proverbs 24:17).
• “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.… Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:17-18, 21).
Don’t forget to pray for the bully. Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28). Talk with your child about what makes a bully behave the way he does. The bully may actually feel very insecure (and so he’s seeking control and power) or he may be going through personal pain (and as a result he desires to inflict pain on others).
Do you have thoughts, questions, advice on this topic? Post your stories and comments in the forum for other parents to respond to. Enter the forum now.
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