What bully really wants to be a bully? Nobody! The only reason kids become over-aggressive and hurtful is that they don't know any better. Most of all, they don't know how special they are to God, and how much attention and guidance they could have if they would only turn to Him.

 

            When you're the one being tormented or annoyed by a bully, it might be very hard to reach out to him or her and try to start a positive relationship. But that's what a child should do.

 

            Never do it in a group, in front of other kids. But if you're alone, say this:

 

            "You know, it was Jesus Who gave us the Golden Rule - "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Matthew 7:12). I believe in Jesus. Do you? Do you think He would approve of what you're doing?"

 

            It might be the turning point in that youngster's life, to get him or her to gain some empathy and realize that bullying is wrong.

 

            Another Bible truth is that you never, ever hurt someone back, not even the worst bully in the whole school. "Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you" (Matthew 5:44).

 

            On the other hand, we're not supposed to just sit back and take abuse, or be somebody's doormat. Jesus NEVER told us to bottle up our feelings. Instead, we're to express them, to Him, to our loved ones, and even to the ones who are hurting us.

 

            As for the child who is on the victim's end of bullying, there's consolation in the Bible, too. Jesus praised meek, kind people who were persecuted, saying they would be the big shots in heaven, in the Beatitudes, including "Blessed are the peacemakers: for they shall be called the children of God." (Matthew 5:9).