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Bullies are everywhere in our lives, from the time we are born until we die. And just what is a bully? In my opinion, a bully is someone who doesn’t see another person as a gift from God. They see people as a “means to an end,” a way to feel better about themselves and boost their own self-image.
I have found dealing with bullies to be one of the hardest parts of life. We find them at home, at work, in the neighborhood, and even at our churches or other religious institutions. So with this prevalence, how do we deal with them?
Well, after much prayer, God has taught me something to hold onto. You see, God has given us all our dignity and worth. We don’t need to earn this worth from anyone else, especially not from those people who look at us as a “means to an end.” For whatever reason, be it sin or the imperfection of life, we all have that desire to matter to others. We seek our value in the comments and approval of our peers.
But that’s not what God intended when He created us. He meant for us to find our identity in Him, as people created in His image. When we lose sight of this purpose, we allow the bullies to rise, and with it, our security. It’s our choice. We can choose happiness, and we can choose God. God will not abandon us, even if the whole world doesn’t see the goodness inside of us. Never give up.
Prayer
Lord God, thank you for creating me. Thank you for the dignity You have given me, which I attempt to live out each day. I know You are with me. Help me not to fear earthly enemies. Whether these enemies are past friends or even relatives, I know the dignity You have given me cannot be taken away. I pray for those people in my life, be it past or present, who may not recognize the good You have placed in my heart. Help me to live out this good, whether or not those people chose to love me. I know You will provide happiness and love for me both now and always. You will provide people in my life who love me and whom I can love in return.Copyright 2019 Anne DeSantis
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