In today’s society, the terms “bully,” “aggressive,” and “mean” are often used interchangeably, but they have distinct meanings. The word “bully” has gained significant attention in recent years, sometimes being used to describe any behavior that someone finds unpleasant or disagreeable. But what does it truly mean to be a bully, and how should we, as Christians, respond to bullying?

The Origin and Evolution of “Bully”

The term “bully” originated in the 16th century, and interestingly, it had a positive connotation at the time, meaning “sweetheart” or “lover.” However, by the 17th century, the word’s meaning had shifted dramatically to describe someone who is overbearing, intimidating, or who uses force to dominate others. Today, “bully” is defined as a person who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those whom they perceive as vulnerable.

In recent years, the definition of bullying has expanded to include a wide range of behaviors, from physical aggression to emotional manipulation and online harassment. This broader understanding is necessary in a world where bullying can take many forms, but it also means that the term is sometimes applied too loosely, labeling any unpleasant interaction as “bullying.”

The Bible provides examples of bullying, showing us that this behavior is not new. One clear instance is found in the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. Goliath, a giant Philistine warrior, used his size and strength to intimidate and threaten the Israelite army. He taunted them daily, instilling fear in their hearts. David, a young shepherd boy, stood up to Goliath not with physical strength but with faith in God, demonstrating that bullying can be confronted with courage and trust in the Lord.

Another example is found in the story of Joseph and his brothers in Genesis 37. Joseph’s brothers were jealous of him and sought to harm him. They bullied him by throwing him into a pit and eventually selling him into slavery. Despite their cruel actions, God used the situation for good, showing that He can redeem even the most painful experiences of bullying.

In the past, we were often taught to ignore bullies, avoid them, or brush off anything they said. Standing up to a bully was also encouraged as a way to confront and overcome their intimidation. However, today’s approach to dealing with bullying has changed significantly. We now have safe rooms in schools where children can retreat if they feel bullied, and we encourage individuals to seek counseling to help overcome the trauma associated with bullying. In some cases, anxiety medications are prescribed to manage the emotional impact. As adults, we sometimes see this shift manifest in more extreme ways—allowing destructive behaviors, such as burning buildings, attacking authority figures, and making threats in public places like subways and college campuses.

This evolution in how society addresses bullying reflects a greater awareness of the psychological impact that bullying can have. While it’s important to provide support and protection for those who are bullied, it’s also crucial that we don’t lose sight of personal resilience and the power of standing firm in our faith.

How Should Christians Respond?

The Bible is clear that we should not allow ourselves to be overcome by fear or intimidation. In 2 Timothy 1:7, the apostle Paul reminds us, “For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.” As Christians, we are called to respond to bullying with the strength and love that comes from the Holy Spirit.

Jesus Himself provided an example of how to respond to those who seek to harm or intimidate us. In Matthew 5:44, He teaches, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” This doesn’t mean that we allow ourselves to be victimized; rather, we are to stand firm in our faith, seek justice, and respond with love and forgiveness.

We are also reminded in Romans 12:19 that vengeance belongs to the Lord: “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.” Our responsibility is to trust God with our hurts and allow Him to be the judge.

It’s important to distinguish between bullying, aggression, and meanness. While all three involve harmful behavior, they differ in intent and repetition:

• Bullying is intentional, repetitive, and involves a power imbalance where the bully seeks to control or harm the victim.
• Aggression can be a one-time act of hostility or violence but doesn’t necessarily involve a power dynamic or a pattern of behavior.
• Meanness refers to hurtful behavior or words that may not be part of a larger pattern but can still cause pain.

Understanding these differences helps us respond appropriately to each situation, whether it involves addressing a bully, defusing aggression, or confronting meanness with grace.

The Ultimate Bully: Satan

In the spiritual realm, Satan is the ultimate bully. He seeks to steal, kill, and destroy (John 10:10), using fear, lies, and temptation to try to separate us from God. But just as with earthly bullies, Satan’s power is limited. James 4:7 encourages us, “Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you.”

We must remember that as believers, we have the power of the Holy Spirit within us. We are not called to be passive in the face of bullying, whether it comes from people or from spiritual forces. Instead, we are called to stand firm, resist evil, and trust in God’s justice.

Bullying is a real issue, both in our physical world and in our spiritual lives. While societal responses to bullying have changed over the years, the biblical principles remain the same. We are to respond with courage, love, and trust in God, knowing that He is our ultimate protector and avenger.

As Christians, we are not called to be victims but victors. Through faith in Christ, we can overcome the bullies in our lives, whether they are people or spiritual forces. We must stand firm, support those who are bullied, and remember that with God on our side, we need not fear any bully, for the victory has already been won through Jesus Christ.