“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: ‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.’ For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide we might have hope.
May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. For I tell you that Christ has become a servant of the Jews on behalf of God’s truth, so that the promises made to the patriarchs might be confirmed and, moreover, that the Gentiles might glorify God for his mercy. As it is written: ‘Therefore I will praise you among the Gentiles; I will sing the praises of your name.'” – Romans 15:1-9
Everyone hates bullying, but yet bullies still exist. I have personally seen and experienced people young and old proclaim Christ Jesus on Sunday and begin bullying Monday morning. Sometimes Sunday afternoon. I was even mugged once as a child in the bathroom during church service (for $0.50).
Why to confessed “Christians” participate in bullying. The world is lost, but we who say we are of Christ can be some of the biggest bullies. We judge people for their actions, and even for our reputations, earned or not.
It is my estimation that we feel a measure of comfort by knowing there is someone in a worse situation that we are in.
If you are bullying people, not just physically, but mentally, emotionally, or spiritually, please stop now.
“We who are strong ought to bear with the failings of the weak and not to please ourselves. Each of us should please our neighbors for their good, to build them up. For even Christ did not please himself but, as it is written: ‘The insults of those who insult you have fallen on me.'”
When you bully others, Jesus says you bully Him. Do you really want to pick a fight with a member of the Supreme Being? The Most High Lord who could utter a word and remove you from existence?
We should protect each other. Those who are strong are tasked with protecting the weak. To quote the Spider Man comic, “With great power comes great responsibility.” God gives us all of our gifts, blessings, and salvation. He has granted all of us, and especially those who have chosen His Son, great power and spiritual gifts. It is our responsibility to use it for His glory and to protect His creation and to build up His people.
