Just an important reminder if you’re going to be dealing with someone who enjoys pushing your buttons. Remember, what others say and do does not define you in any way. It is actually just a perception of what they see and feel. So don’t take it personally. It’s not really about you at all.
The best thing to do is simply walk away and wish them well from afar. People who say really hurtful things are not worth your time. (Do not take unfair criticism to heart. People see your actions and motives through their own lens, and sometimes that lens is scratched by the harsh experiences they’ve endured) Never respond to insults. They are just needing a fix. Let your silence be a great frustration to them. Protect your peace. Protect your heart. Protect your soul. For those who try to steal yours have none of their own. Hateful behavior is a form of bullying. A bully will pick on people whom they perceive as being different from themselves. Also remember that people who feel good about themselves don’t need to put others down. Pray for them. Pray for their healing.
The Bible does not speak specifically about bullies or bullying, but there are many biblical principles that apply to the issue. First, it is important to understand what bullying is. A simple definition would be “using superior strength or power to intimidate people.” Bullies are those who prey on people they perceive as weaker and threaten them with harm, or actually harm them, in order to get their own way. Obviously, bullying is not Godly. Christians are called to love others and to look out for those who are weaker, not to intimidate or manipulate people (James 1:27; 1 John 3:17–18; Galatians 6:9–10).
Christians should not bully. God’s wisdom is necessary in all instances of confronting bullying.Those who follow Christ have the Holy Spirit living within them. He helps us to understand God’s Word and can guide us and equip us to obey God in whatever situation we find ourselves. At the very least, we should pray that the bully would have a change of heart and know God’s salvation (1 Timothy 2:1–4). Many times, though, bullies act the way they do out of their own hurt. Perhaps they were bullied in the past. Perhaps they feel insecure, and the only way they can feel acceptable to themselves is by belittling others. We can empathize with their hurt and extend God’s compassion, love, and grace to them while also maintaining solid boundaries to address their wrong behavior. Whether bullying is driven by past hurt or simply the sin nature, God is the only one who can bring healing, restoration, and change. It is always appropriate to pray for both bullies and their victims. Similarly, when we are the victim of bullying, we can go to God with our hurt and seek His reassurance and healing.