Bullying: Forms and Responses to Intimidation

This deliberate, aggressive and threatening behaviour is intended to cause pain or discomfort. It involves a power imbalance that is often based on nationality, status, physical size, age or gender. When bullying becomes a pattern of behaviour, it can lead to fear and anxiety in the victim, with depression and even suicide in extreme cases. Such abusive behaviour is ungodly, and Christians need to be sensitive to such situations. There are four main forms: emotional (also called relational or psychological), verbal, physical and cyber (which is inflicted by electronic means). Cyberbullying (also known as online bullying, as it uses social media) has become increasingly common, especially among teenagers, as the digital sphere has expanded and technology has advanced.

The Christian Response to Bullying

There are two types of situations where they may need to respond, either as the victim or as a witness to bullying. When being bullied, rather than attempting to retaliate the right response may be to withdraw from the situation (if possible) or to turn the other cheek and speak blessing on the perpetrator thus overcoming evil with good (Mt 5:38-42,44; 1 Pet 3:9). While the Christian response is to be loving and forgiving, this does not exclude holding others accountable for their inappropriate actions by standing up for our rights and those of others. We should not permit evil to continue unchallenged but verbally address the issue. This may be best done with the help of an independent facilitator to guide and help bring resolution. When we observe bullying, we can intervene if this is considered the best approach, coming to the aid of the weak; otherwise, we should immediately report it to the proper authorities so it can be dealt with through the correct social and judicial channels.

We are all born into a sin-tarnished world, and the bully may be driven by that inherited and undisciplined nature or it may be an expression of their own inner

Unkind people need our love the most

hurt and insecurity. We should extend to them God’s love and grace while also maintaining solid boundaries to address their wrong behaviour. It is important to have the right attitude and pray for them as it is God who can bring healing, restoration and change, while also allowing Him to minister His healing into our hearts if we have been the victim. The Bible's 'golden rule' instructs, "Do not repay anyone evil for evil," but instead, "Do to others as we would like done to us" (Lk 6:31; Rom 12:17,21). Christians are called to love others and to look out for those who are weaker and not to intimidate or manipulate people (Mk 12:31; Gal 6:9,10; Jas 1:27).

Reflection and Application:

Consider a time when you witnessed or experienced bullying—how did you respond, and what would a Christ-like response look like in hindsight?
How can you actively demonstrate love and grace to someone who has hurt you, without enabling harmful behaviour?
Reflect on the balance between turning the other cheek and standing up for justice—how can both be lived out in your context?
In what ways can you support those who are vulnerable or targeted, reflecting Jesus' heart for the marginalized?