August 30, 2014 at 08:03PM The Sad Truth About Bullying at Church

This is excellent. And sadly true. Don't overlook bullying simply because it "should" be a safe place such as at church (or in the home, with people who have previously been friends, at a family reunion, in the workplace, etc. etc. etc.). I don't see this as something specific to Churches, I see this as a statement regarding people. I am embarrassed to admit that I once stood in the role of a church bully. I had made a few snide remarks as a young teenager, thinking they were obviously ridiculous and not intended to be taken seriously. Unfortunately that is not the way it was taken. Fortunately I had a kind youth leader who gathered me up and explained what was going on and how the thoughtless remarks had been taken. I did not intend to be a bully! And I really don't think most bullies intend their actions to come across that way, especially at first. TALK to people! Make sure they know when something is hurtful! Find a mediator or someone to help discuss the matter calmly if necessary. On the side of the "bullee": you can start as simply as letting the "bully" know that what they're saying / doing is hurtful. Taking only a passive role (turn the other cheek) won't always do everything necessary. We are striving for compassion with that direction, not rug-like behavior. On the side of the "bully" (or potential bully): be aware of how others respond to what you think is funny. Is it intended to get people to point AT *or* WITH a particular person or group? Different people can respond differently to the very same words or actions, so do your best to be aware of how you make people feel. You enter true "Bully" land if you continue to do or say something knowing it hurts someone. If there is reason for you to know that what you are doing is hurtful then you're headed there quick! And as a "Bullee" you cannot expect behavior to change unless the "Bully" knows what is going on. Rambling much? Basically: be aware of one another and communicate when something is un-happy making! Let's try to keep areas around us safe in every way possible, including bully-free. :)