Biblical verses on bullying provide valuable teachings on how to deal with hostility and bullying.
It offers guidance on how to respond to situations where we encounter animosity, opposition, or mistreatment from others.
Instead of resorting to retaliation or harboring bitterness, the Bible encourages a different approach. It calls us to embrace principles rooted in love, forgiveness, peace, and wisdom.
How Does the Bible Say to Deal with Hostility?
The Bible emphasizes the importance of responding to hostility with love and prayer. It teaches us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us, recognizing that love has the power to transform hearts and dissolve animosity.
Here are some biblical principles which we can use to deal with hostility:
- First, the Bible emphasizes the pursuit of peace. It encourages us to make every effort to live at peace with others, even in the face of hostility, understanding that reconciliation and harmony are noble endeavors.
- The Bible also reminds us of the power of gentleness and wisdom in dealing with hostility. It teaches that a gentle answer can diffuse anger, while harsh words can escalate conflicts.
- In dealing with hostility the Bible encourages us to seek guidance and strength through prayer.
- Furthermore, forgiveness also plays an important role in dealing with hostility. Instead of holding grudges, we should choose to forgive, just as God has forgiven us.
Biblical Verses On Bullying
Bullying is a pervasive issue that affects many individuals, causing pain, fear, and lasting emotional scars.
In times of such adversity, the Bible offers solace and guidance, providing wisdom and insight on how to address bullying and promote a culture of kindness, respect, and compassion.
In this section, we will explore biblical verses that shed light on the issue of bullying, offering encouragement and practical guidance for dealing with this harmful behavior.
Proverbs 14:2 (NIV) – Be Kind To The Needy
“Whoever despises a neighbor sins, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
Proverbs 14:3 (NIV) – Show Love To The Oppressed
“Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
Leviticus 19:18 (NIV) – Love Your Neighbor
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.”
Proverbs 6:16-1(NIV) – Things The Lord Hates
“There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
Psalm 9:9 (NIV) – The Lord Is Our Refuge
“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
Psalm 72:4 (NIV) – The Lord Our Defender
“He [the king] will defend the afflicted among the people and save the children of the needy; he will crush the oppressor.”
Proverbs 22:22-23 (NIV) – Show Love To The Poor
“Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the LORD will take up their case and will exact life for life.”
Isaiah 1:17(NIV) – Seek Justice
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.”
Isaiah 41:10 (NIV) – Do Not Fear
“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.”
Matthew 5:38-39 (NIV) – Avoid Retaliation
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also.”
Matthew 7:12 (NIV) – Golden Rule
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Romans 12:17-19 (NIV) – Kindness
“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.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-7(NIV) – Love Is All
“Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV) – 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.”
Ephesians 4:29 (NIV) – Mindful Of Your Words
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV) – Control your Anger
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV) – Forgive As The Lord
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”
1 Peter 2:23 (NIV) –
“When they hurled their insults at him [Jesus], he did not retaliate; when he suffered, he made no threats. Instead, he entrusted himself to him who judges justly.”
1 Peter 3:9 (NIV)
“Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult. On the contrary, repay evil with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing.”
1 John 3:18 (NIV) –
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.”
1 John 4:20 (NIV)
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”
Bible Verses Against Bullying
Bullying is a pervasive problem that affects individuals of all ages, causing emotional distress and often leaving long-lasting scars.
In the face of such harm, the Bible offers guidance and encouragement through its verses, providing a foundation of values that promote kindness, compassion, and respect for others.
These biblical teachings in this section empower us to stand against bullying and create a culture of love and acceptance.
Psalm 10:17-18 (NIV)
“You, Lord, hear the desire of the afflicted; you encourage them, and you listen to their cry, defending the fatherless and the oppressed so that mere earthly mortals will never again strike terror.”
Proverbs 29:7 (NIV)
“The righteous care about justice for the poor, but the wicked have no such concern.”
Psalm 12:5 (NIV)
“Because the poor are plundered and the needy groan, I will now arise,” says the LORD. “I will protect them from those who malign them.”
Psalm 140:12 (NIV) –
“I know that the LORD secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.”
Proverbs 17:5 (NIV)
“Whoever mocks the poor shows contempt for their Maker; whoever gloats over disaster will not go unpunished.”
Proverbs 14:2 (NIV)
“Whoever despises a neighbor sins, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
Isaiah 54:17 (NIV)
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.
Matthew 5:11-12 (NIV)
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
Romans 12:2 (NIV)
“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
1 Peter 2:2 (NIV)
“To this you were called because Christ suffered for you, leaving you an example, that you should follow in his steps.”
Matthew 7:12 (NIV)
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Ephesians 4:29:
“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.”
Proverbs 6:16-19 (NIV)
“There are six things the LORD hates, seven that are detestable to him: haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies and a person who stirs up conflict in the community.”
Romans 13:10 (NIV)
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.”
1 Corinthians 16:14 (NIV)
“Do everything in love.”
Galatians 5:22-23 (NIV)
“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.”
Ephesians 4:31-32 (NIV)
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Colossians 3:12-13(NIV)
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
James 2:8 (NIV)
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.”
1 John 4:20 (NIV)
“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen.”
Conclusion
The Bible provides valuable guidance and wisdom on how to address the issue of bullying. Through its verses, we are reminded of the importance of compassion, kindness, and respect for others.
The biblical teachings encourage us to stand up against bullying, protect the vulnerable, and promote a culture of acceptance and support.
By embracing the principles outlined in the Bible, we can actively combat bullying and create an environment where every individual is treated with dignity and empathy.
We are called to love our neighbors, show forgiveness, and extend a helping hand to those who are mistreated.
