The Real Problem with a Bully - Daily Hope with Rick Warren - October 12, 2020
Bullying is a pervasive issue that affects individuals of all ages, with the rise of technology allowing bullies to reach their victims in new and devastating ways. By recognizing that bullying is often a symptom of a deeper spiritual struggle against evil forces, Christians can find hope and empowerment in prayer, which is the most effective way to combat these malevolent influences.
"We are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world." Ephesians 6:12 (GNT)
Bullying is on the rise in our schools, our workplaces, and even online.
Whenever someone exhibits aggressive behavior or tries to exert power over somebody else, that’s bullying. It could include making threats, spreading rumors, physically or verbally attacking, harassing, or purposefully excluding somebody from a group.
Bullying doesn't just happen in person. Today we’re more and more connected through texts, social media, video games, and apps. And that means cyber bullying happens in all those spheres. In previous generations, kids could escape bullies by leaving the playground, but today the bullies can reach you through your phone, tablet, or computer. Sometimes it can seem like there is no escape.
When you or your children face this kind of behavior, it’s important to recognize the source behind the bully.
"We are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world" (Ephesians 6:12 GNT).
The bully is not your real problem. The real problem is a spiritual force. It's called evil. The bully is just being used by Satan. You’re not fighting against human beings. You’re fighting against wicked spiritual forces. All evil and hatred come from Satan. And he can use anybody who doesn’t know the Lord, because they don't have God's Spirit in them.
Satan wants to hurt God, but he can't—so he does the next best thing: He goes after God's children. The best way to hurt a parent is to hurt his child, and the child of God is the enemy of Satan. This is why prayer is such an important part of dealing with harassment or a bully at school or work, because you're not dealing with just human beings. There's a spiritual force behind it all.
You may not have the power to stop that bully, but God does.
Always start with prayer. That’s where you get God’s power to fight the spiritual forces at work around you.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
Your Gift Brings Hope to the World
Thank you for helping restore broken hearts with the hope of Jesus!
I am so grateful to be on mission with you! Your gift today is a bold statement that you want to be a light in this world and make an eternal impact for Jesus Christ.
As thanks for your gift, we’re excited to send you the "Hope Is Born: A Christmas Scripture Collection" Scripture cards. This set of 52 beautifully designed cards brings the joy of the season to life, each sharing a powerful verse celebrating the hope and wonder of Jesus’ birth.
Request yours below when you give, and thank you for going on mission to reach our world with the love of Jesus!
*The USA IRS code permits you to deduct the amount of your financial gift to Daily Hope that exceeds the fair market value of “current offer” materials you received from Daily Hope.
_638979300394061748.webp)
