Bullying is a major issue in our world today, both for children and adults. It can take many forms, from physical and verbal abuse to social exclusion and spreading rumors. The Bible does not specifically mention the word “bullying,” yet it contains many principles and stories that address how we should treat others. Here are some key Bible verses about bullying:
Do not mistreat or take advantage of others
“Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.” (Zechariah 7:10)
“Do not take advantage of the widow or the fatherless.” (Exodus 22:22)
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.” (Luke 6:36-37)
These verses speak against mistreating those who are vulnerable and instruct us to treat all people with mercy.
Love your neighbor as yourself
“Love your neighbor as yourself.” (Matthew 22:39)
“Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law.” (Romans 13:8)
We should treat others the way we want to be treated. Bullying actions are the opposite of love.
Do not repay evil with evil
“Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” (Romans 12:17-19)
“Do not say, ‘I’ll do to them as they have done to me; I’ll pay them back for what they did.’” (Proverbs 24:29)
Rather than retaliate against bullies, we should overcome evil with good.
The fruits of the Spirit
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)
Walking in the Spirit means displaying godly traits like kindness and self-control rather than hurtful behaviors.
Be humble and consider others as better than yourselves
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:3-4)
“…make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:2-4)
When we esteem others highly and are humble, we won’t bully or mistreat them.
Speak life – do not slander or verbally abuse
“Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.” (Ephesians 4:29)
“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” (Titus 3:1-2)
Our speech should build others up, not tear them down through insults, gossip, and lies.
Have compassion and forgive
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind. Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” (1 Peter 3:8-9)
“If your brother or sister sins against you, rebuke them; and if they repent, forgive them. Even if they sin against you seven times in a day and seven times come back to you saying ‘I repent,’ you must forgive them.” (Luke 17:3-4)
As Christians, we should have mercy on those who wrong us, just as God forgives us.
The golden rule – Treat others how you want to be treated
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.” (Matthew 7:12)
We should treat others the way we hope to be treated – with value, love and respect.
Stand up for the oppressed and mistreated
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” (Proverbs 31:8-9)
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” (Isaiah 1:17)
As Christians, we have a responsibility to intervene and protect victims of bullying.
Put on the full armor of God
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes. For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms. Therefore put on the full armor of God, so that when the day of evil comes, you may be able to stand your ground, and after you have done everything, to stand. Stand firm then with the belt of truth buckled around your waist, with the breastplate of righteousness in place, and with your feet fitted with the readiness that comes from the gospel of peace. In addition to all this, take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. Take the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:10-17)
When we are rooted in God’s truth and righteousness, we can withstand bullying and shine light into the darkness.
Jesus was despised and rejected
“He was despised and rejected by mankind, a man of suffering, and familiar with pain. Like one from whom people hide their faces he was despised, and we held him in low esteem.” (Isaiah 53:3)
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:45)
Jesus identified with victims of bullying. We find comfort in knowing He understands our pain.
God is always with us
“So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” (Isaiah 41:10)
“The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” (Deuteronomy 31:8)
We never face bullying alone because God promises to be present and give us strength.
In conclusion, the Bible gives us many principles for dealing with bullying in a godly way. We are called to love others, forgive those who wrong us, speak with compassion, stand up for the oppressed, and trust in God’s presence and protection. Though bullying is painful, we can overcome it through faith in Christ.