Zechariah 14 / Revelation 20 / Psalm 148 / Proverbs 31:8-9
Have any of you been bullied? Or were you ever a bully? Bullies behave as they do for various reasons. Sometimes it’s because they are afraid. Or because they are being bullied by someone else and becoming a bully helps them feel powerful. Whatever the reason, at the heart that bully is afraid.
I’ve heard stories of others who befriended the mean person and soon discovered that they were softer on the inside than first realized. When I was in high school, I had one bully try to mess with me. It was kind of ridiculous. There was a boy who liked me. We were talking and she decided she wanted him. So, she threatened to fight me for him. I laughed and told her she could have him. I was not getting into a fistfight over a boy! Plus, if he couldn’t stand up for himself or me, I didn’t want him anyway.
Then there was the time we were visiting friends in South Carolina. My sister and I were small, maybe eight and ten. I was inside with one friend cutting up a snack of celery, while my sister and another friend were outside. When the girl cut the celery, a piece fell on the floor. She said we would give that to my sister since she didn’t know. I secretly hated that idea, so when we got outside, I told my sister what had happened. Don’t mess with my sister!
These two scenarios are mild, and no one was under any threat, however, there are times when someone’s life is in danger, and we must decide how we’re going to respond. I understand we want to be careful not to endanger our own lives to rescue another. Sometimes it’s enough to tell the right person who has the authority or power to help.
Proverbs 31:8-9 in the New Living Translation, (NLT) says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves; ensure justice for those being crushed. Yes, speak up for the poor and helpless, and see that they get justice.”
We must not remain silent when we see injustice. There are hidden (and not so hidden) evils in the world today and we need to find a way to stand for truth in the face of evil. Standing always includes prayer, but sometimes it includes more. It may include giving our resources and/or time. It may involve phone calls or emails. Whatever it is that you believe God wants you to do to respond when someone is being victimized, be bold and act. God and heaven will back you up.
You’ll also find that you’re not alone. Many stand and speak for the truth. Don’t be fearful. You may just save someone’s life.
