DEVOTIONAL PASSAGE
“Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32
DEVOTIONAL
How does a mother deal with her child being bullied? I have asked myself this question repeatedly this week. A bully can make something as simple as going to the bus stop or recess into a nightmare for kids. Bullying can leave deep emotional scars. And in extreme situations, can involve violent threats, property damage, or even self harm. Most kids have been teased by a sibling or a friend at some point, and it’s usually not harmful when done in a mutual playful and friendly manner. But when teasing becomes hurtful, unkind, and constant — it crosses the line into bullying. For the past week one of my children have been experiencing bullying and to hear your child express that they feel like they don’t want to be on this side of life because of the taunting is so hurtful. I wish I could change places and make things better, but I can’t. It has been stressful dealing with this matter. I have contemplated why do children bully and I have come to the conclusion, children will do what they see their parents do. When children grow up watching their parents fight or they grow up being abused verbally, physically and emotionally this type of behavior has the potential to become pathological. This destructive behavior becomes instilled in them, and then they perpetuate this in their own relationships. But as parents we must let our children know how serious bullying can be. We must demonstrate loving, kind and edifying relationships to them. We must keep the doors of communication open so that they feel that they can share anything with us. We should not make them afraid to talk to us. We have to demonstrate the agape love that our Heavenly Father have for us to our children, as bullying has such a destructive affect. We see this of the young child that was killed in Maryland after a bathroom brawl. No parent desires to get a call saying that their child is no longer here or tried to do self-harm because they committed suicide because they did not know how to handle bullying. I know I do not, that’s why I didn’t get in my feelings, I addressed the situation at school with the principal and the matter is being resolved, but this may not be the case for another child.
DEVOTIONAL PRAYER
Holy Father, Your Word says that we are to treat people in the way that we want to be treated. We declare on this day that we will practice this command and we will demonstrate compassion, kindness and just. We will be good friends and call out behavior that is not Christ-like. We declare to you Lord that we will be the light and salvation for those who are being bullied and mistreated so they will not have to be afraid. We declare that God, You will cease the actions that are designed to destroy us. We confess that Your angels are charged about us and You will protect those that are being mistreated. We declare that You will rescue those who love you and will protect those who trust You, in Jesus name we pray – Amen.
ENTER INTO WORSHIP
“Safe in His Arms” – Rev. Milton Brunson
Contributed by: Norell Porter
Norell raised in Ft. Lauderdale, is now a resident of Georgia. She is a dedicated wife, the dutiful mother of four children, and a successful entrepreneur of Family First Coding Specialist. She is a covenant partner of The Sanctuary and is our Minister of Giving. She is ambitious outgoing, and she takes great pleasure in giving and helping others succeed in life. If this devotional has fed your soul, please share with your friends and family. Click the social share button or leave a comment in the box below for Norell .