“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” Matthew 10:28
The verse reads like this in the Message Bible: “Don’t be bluffed into silence by the threats of bullies. There’s nothing they can do to your soul, your core being.”
Bullying has become widespread in our schools and workplaces. It’s a tactic of the devil. However the devil has no teeth, he is a defeated foe who can do no permanent damage to the people of God, that’s why he roars. Peter writes, “Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour” (1 Peter 5:8). A lion in the wild sneaks up on his prey. He doesn’t roar when he’s looking for his next meal. Unlike the devil who roars in order to intimidate and arouse fear in those who oppose him, hoping they will concede to his bluff.
When we look at bullying in the world we see it is actually an effective tool in getting one’s own way. Since many feel it’s not worth the fight, they just cave into the domination of others rather than call their bluff. However, this isn’t a long-term solution as it merely empowers the bully to continue and even increase their taunts.
As we take a stand against bullying, both in the physical and spiritual world, we cannot allow ourselves to be silenced by fear or intimidation. We will win the battle by standing in all of God’s armour as outlined by Paul (Ephesians 6:14-17). We are strengthened by his Spirit as we rely on his truth, his righteousness, his peace, his faith, his salvation and his word.
We won’t win this battle in our own strength but in God’s.
