KingJ
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- Mar 31, 2015
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Jesus never promised us an easy life. In fact, He said, "I am sending you out like lambs among wolves" (Luke 10:3).
To understand bullying, we must first understand this picture. We are lambs among wolves. Wolves will act like wolves. They can be harsh, cruel, prideful, and aggressive. They often operate with a pack mentality, feeding off one another's approval. One of the easiest ways for a wolf to impress the pack is to target a lamb.
Not all persecution happens simply because we are identified as being a part of a “Christian religion.” Most often, we are mistreated because Christ is at work within us. As we follow Jesus, we become more like Him. We learn humility instead of pride, kindness instead of cruelty, patience instead of anger, compassion instead of indifference, and forgiveness instead of revenge. These qualities expose darkness, and people who love darkness often react against the light. John 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
But Christians are not lambs without a Shepherd. We have Jesus, the Good Shepherd. We have the Holy Spirit, our Helper. Our Shepherd sees every insult, every lie, every act of cruelty, and every tear shed in secret. He protects us, guides us, strengthens us to endure, and reminds us that our identity is not found in the opinions of wolves, but in the love of God.
At the same time, being slow to anger does not mean becoming a punching bag. Turning the other cheek is not permission for endless abuse. Scripture says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18). Notice the words: if it is possible.
We are called to pursue peace, set healthy boundaries, speak truth, seek help, and stand firm against evil. Jesus remained silent before false accusations at times, but He also confronted hypocrisy, drove out corruption from the temple, and spoke boldly against injustice. There is a difference between patient endurance and enabling wickedness.
We do not seek personal revenge because vengeance belongs to the Lord. "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 12:19).
God is slow to anger, but He is not indifferent to evil. His patience is not weakness. His patience is mercy. He gives people time to repent, turn from their sin, and be saved. Sometimes His justice comes quickly. Sometimes, as God's people have experienced throughout history, it seems delayed. But delayed justice is not abandoned justice.
The Lord sees. The Lord knows. The Lord remembers. One day, every wrong will be made right.
So if we are being bullied, mocked, abused, or mistreated, we must not lose heart. We can call on the Lord. We can seek support from faithful believers. We must stand firm in truth. We can trust our Shepherd.
We may be as lambs among wolves, but we are never alone. Our Shepherd walks with us.
To understand bullying, we must first understand this picture. We are lambs among wolves. Wolves will act like wolves. They can be harsh, cruel, prideful, and aggressive. They often operate with a pack mentality, feeding off one another's approval. One of the easiest ways for a wolf to impress the pack is to target a lamb.
Not all persecution happens simply because we are identified as being a part of a “Christian religion.” Most often, we are mistreated because Christ is at work within us. As we follow Jesus, we become more like Him. We learn humility instead of pride, kindness instead of cruelty, patience instead of anger, compassion instead of indifference, and forgiveness instead of revenge. These qualities expose darkness, and people who love darkness often react against the light. John 3:19 This is the verdict: Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil.
But Christians are not lambs without a Shepherd. We have Jesus, the Good Shepherd. We have the Holy Spirit, our Helper. Our Shepherd sees every insult, every lie, every act of cruelty, and every tear shed in secret. He protects us, guides us, strengthens us to endure, and reminds us that our identity is not found in the opinions of wolves, but in the love of God.
At the same time, being slow to anger does not mean becoming a punching bag. Turning the other cheek is not permission for endless abuse. Scripture says, "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone" (Romans 12:18). Notice the words: if it is possible.
We are called to pursue peace, set healthy boundaries, speak truth, seek help, and stand firm against evil. Jesus remained silent before false accusations at times, but He also confronted hypocrisy, drove out corruption from the temple, and spoke boldly against injustice. There is a difference between patient endurance and enabling wickedness.
We do not seek personal revenge because vengeance belongs to the Lord. "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 12:19).
God is slow to anger, but He is not indifferent to evil. His patience is not weakness. His patience is mercy. He gives people time to repent, turn from their sin, and be saved. Sometimes His justice comes quickly. Sometimes, as God's people have experienced throughout history, it seems delayed. But delayed justice is not abandoned justice.
The Lord sees. The Lord knows. The Lord remembers. One day, every wrong will be made right.
So if we are being bullied, mocked, abused, or mistreated, we must not lose heart. We can call on the Lord. We can seek support from faithful believers. We must stand firm in truth. We can trust our Shepherd.
We may be as lambs among wolves, but we are never alone. Our Shepherd walks with us.
