Jenny McCarthy tells Ellen Degeneres that being bullied led her to get a boob job. Bullying makes people do things to their bodies and lives that are damaging and life-threatening. In January, Phoebe Prince, 15yrs old, hanged herself after she was bullied by six teenagers at South Hadley High School in western Massachusetts. Her family had recently moved from Ireland. On April 9, 2009 an 11yr old middle-school student hanged himself after bullying from classmates. The boys mom pleaded weekly with the school to address the issue. Tyler Clementi, 18yr-old freshman at Rutgers University, jumped off the George Washington Bridge into the Hudson River after being humiliated by a roommate.
Bullying comes in the form of physical/verbal altercations on the school grounds and through cyber-bullying. What should be the response of a person who follows Jesus to bullying? Gay advocate groups want to legislate laws against bullying that is specifically targeting homosexuals. Some evangelical Christians are cautious to support such legislation in that the law may lead to the approval of a lifestyle that they believe the bible disapproves.
I believe we need to set aside all ideologies and remind ourselves that God values human life. In Proverbs 31:8 we are told to "speak out for those who cannot speak." As those who have been reconciled by God we are called to the ministry of reconciliation (2 Cor. 5:18 - 19). This means we must confront all that is contrary to the reconciling presence of Jesus Christ. Bullying devalues a person whom God loves. As a follower of Jesus that is unacceptable. The faith community is called to follow the Prince of Peace and this means take a stand against violence.
Use this as an opportunity to pray for all our youth and get involved as a mentor in a big brother/big sister program or in your church's youth group.
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