What does it mean to be a bully? According to Wikipedia, the definition of being a bully is as follows: is the use of force, threat, or coercion to abuse, intimidate, or aggressively dominate others. At one point or another, I am sure that every one of us has fit into that definition at one point and time. So why does it matter and why am I even talking about it?
There are a few points that I want to touch on. Most of you would agree that bullying happens in the Christians community too. If we call ourselves Christians, then why do we not act Christ-like? Remember the WWJD or what would Jesus do bracelet fad back in the 90's? How many of us think about our actions as though we are living our life for Christ?
In talking to my kids about school, they brought it to my attention that some children are getting bullied by other kids. My kids can identify the behavior because the aggressors are intimidating and trying to dominate other students. You might ask why this matters. Bullying takes place at all schools. My children attend a private Christian school. See, no school is exempt from this behavior. Christians are just as guilty as anyone else when it comes to being a bully.
Christians being a bully to others.
Have you ever been in a situation where you have two distinctly different sides? One side is acting out in a way that is counter to the Bible. The other side is acting in an opposite manner beating people over the head with a Bible. Instead of the Bible being used as a peaceful tool to bring everyone together, it is used as a means to bully the other person. Take a look at the issues of abortion and homosexual relationships. Do Christians tend to fall in line with being a bully instead of being a Christ-like example?
Would Jesus tell the opposing side that they are going to go to hell for their sins if they don't do what is demanded of them? Or would Jesus say I am the way, follow me?
John 14:6 NASB Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.
As Christians, it is not our job to bully people into submission. Our job is to share the gospel with others and let God sort out the sinners. When we try to play God and judge others, we end up being bullies.