6 So the same day Pharaoh commanded the taskmasters of the people and their officers, saying, 7 “You shall no longer give the people straw to make brick as before. Let them go and gather straw for themselves. – Exodus 5: 6-7, NKJV
In this blog post, I’m going to expand on a devotional I wrote titled Bullies: Way Back Then and Now.
I’ll define bullying and review who is the original bully. Next, I’ll show you the characteristics, discuss the different forms of bullying, and reveal how to deal with this abuse.
With that, let’s begin.
What is Bullying
Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior among school aged children that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. – Stopbullying.gov
However, bullying can take place among adults as well.
The Original Bully
Lucifer, who goes by the name of Satan or the devil, is the bully who some fear and despise.
Some follow him unconsciously and others do it consciously, and one way he gets people to follow him is by using manipulation.
The Characteristics of a Bully
Manipulative
Manipulation is one characteristic and tactic of a bully. It’s a way to gain control of a human being, which gives them power, which they adore.
Now the serpent was more cunning than any beast of the field which the Lord God had made. And he said to the woman, “Has God indeed said, ‘You shall not eat of every tree of the garden’?” – Genesis 3:1, NKJV
However, bullies tend to want more: Satan even boasted about putting himself in the position of the Most High. He wanted control of everything, and he still wants it.
13 For you have said in your heart: ‘I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God; I will also sit on the mount of the congregation on the farthest sides of the north.
14 I will ascend above the heights of the clouds, I will be like the Most High.’ – Isaiah 14:13-14, NKJV
Lack of Empathy Towards Their Victims
They can be brutal historical figures and have no empathy for their victims.
The tyrant (bully) Hitler didn’t empathize. He killed millions of Jews and had insane quotes:
“I am convinced that I am acting as the agent of our Almighty Creator. By fighting the Jews, I am doing the Lord’s work.” – Adolf Hitler, Nazi Leader (Führer)
Insecure
“The trait that all bullies have in common is insecurity,” said family therapist Tom Kersting. “Intimidation and harassment is the wall they use to prevent others from seeing through them, seeing their insecurity.” – Huff Post
7 So the women sang as they danced, and said: “Saul has slain his thousands, and David his ten thousands.”
8 Then Saul was very angry, and the saying displeased him; and he said,
“They have ascribed to David ten thousands, and to me they have ascribed only thousands. Now what more can he have but the kingdom?” – 1 Samuel 18:7-8, NKJV
Problematic Family Relationships
“Bullies often lack warm, caring and involved parents,” said Patel. Sometimes this is because the parents are inattentive to their children and their interests. Other times, it may be due to living with an overworked and exhausted single parent. – Reena B Patel Huffpost
In my book, The Unusual Life of David Snod: Episode 1, my character Christian bullies his brother David by tormenting him mentally.
But why is this happening? It’s because Christian is missing his absentee dad’s love, so he’s taking his frustration out on his brother.
Even though Christian’s mom showers him with love, he still misses that one parent who’s not even sprinkling a bit of love on his heart.
Different Forms of Bullying: Verbal, Physical, Cyberbullying
Bullying is an issue that has been affecting individuals of all ages, genders, and ethnicities.
The various forms of bullying are verbal bullying, physical bullying, and cyberbullying.
Recognizing these various forms of bullying is crucial to addressing and combatting this abusive behavior.
Verbal bullying involves the use of words or language to intimidate, condemn, or humiliate another person.
The list can include name-calling, insulting, teasing, or spreading rumors. Example: “Look at his generic shoes…”
Verbal bullying can have a long-term effect on a victim’s self-esteem.
However, physical bullying involves someone physically placing their hands on another person.
This includes exerting one’s power over another person, hitting, pushing, or other forms of physicality intended to cause pain.
Example: “Man… my arm is still bruised from yesterday.”
Unfortunately, physical bullying can injure a person and leave marks on their body.
In our current digital age, cyberbullying has become a crafty tool for harassment, such as social media platforms, emails, text messages, and online forums.
Example: “This text is gonna destroy her. She’ll never know it’s from me. Ha!”
Cyberbullying can cause emotional distress, and it can happen when a person posts embarrassing pictures or videos, spreads rumors online, or sends threatening messages anonymously.
It is essential for individuals in schools, workplaces, and communities to promote awareness about the different types of bullying and work towards creating safe environments for victims.
How to Deal with Bullying
One of the key strategies for dealing with bullying is to develop assertiveness skills.
Being assertive means expressing your thoughts, feelings, and boundaries in a straightforward and confident manner.
It involves standing up for yourself while respecting the rights of other individuals. By practicing assertiveness, you can convey a sound message to bullies that their actions are not acceptable.
When you encounter bullying, it’s important to respond smartly rather than impulsively.
Take a moment and consider your options before reacting to the situation.
Avoid any physical or verbal engagement that may cause confrontations and escalate the situation. Instead, focus on maintaining your composure and responding calmly but firmly.
Reaching out to trusted friends, family members, or teachers who can offer support and guidance during this difficult time is another step in dealing with bullying.
Reporting incidents of bullying to school authorities or employers can also help ensure appropriate action.
Remember that dealing with bullying requires strength and perseverance.
By responding wisely and assertively and having support from others, you can overcome this challenge and create a safer environment for yourself and others around you.
Jesus used wisdom, assertiveness, and God’s Word to fight his battles, but it works when you believe what you say.
And Jesus definitely believed what He said when the scribes and Pharisees wanted to stone an adulteress.
Then those who heard it, being convicted by their conscience, went out one by one, beginning with the oldest even to the last. And Jesus was left alone, and the woman standing in the midst. – John 8:9, NKJV
Conclusion
If you reflect on historical and biblical moments, you’ll notice that tyrants are nothing but rulers or leaders who are bullies.
And no matter if it is the common school bully or an unrighteous supervisor, you should respond wisely and assertively.
Also, having support from others is great.
But believing in Christ and having God’s Word in your corner works fantastically as well, especially when dealing with Satan and brutal human beings on this earth.
If you’re being bullied, learn this scripture, and recite it throughout the day and before bed; God bless.
Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me; You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me. – Psalm 138:7, NKJV
*Also, if you haven’t accepted Jesus Christ as your Savior and repented for your sins, then do so now because the Father has promised no one tomorrow. (Read Romans 10: 9-10)
