“We are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world.” Ephesians 6:12 (GNT)
Bullying is on the rise in our schools, our workplaces, and even online.
Whenever someone uses aggression or tries to control or intimidate another person, it can sometimes be a form of bullying. This may include threats, rumor-spreading, verbal attacks, harassment, or intentionally excluding someone from a group.
Bullying doesn't just happen in person. Today we’re increasingly connected through texts, social media, video games, and apps. And that means cyber bullying happens in all those spheres. In previous generations, kids could escape bullies by leaving the playground, but today the bullies can reach you through your phone, tablet, or computer. Sometimes it can seem like there is no escape.
When you or your children face this kind of behavior, it’s important to recognize the source behind the bully.
“We are not fighting against human beings but against the wicked spiritual forces in the heavenly world” (Ephesians 6:12 GNT).
The bully is not your real problem. The real battle is spiritual. Evil is real, and the Bible says we’re not fighting against people, but against spiritual forces of darkness. Satan loves to stir up fear, anger, and hatred, and he can influence anyone who gives him room—especially those who don’t have a relationship with God or have the Holy Spirit guiding them.
Satan wants to hurt God, but he can't—so he does the next best thing: He goes after God's children. The fastest way to hurt a parent is to hurt their child. That’s why prayer is such an important part of dealing with harassment or bullying at school or work, because you're not dealing with just human beings. There's a spiritual battle behind it all.
You may not have the power to stop bullying, but God does.
So always start with prayer. That’s where you get God’s power to fight the spiritual forces at work around you.
Rick Warren is an innovative pastor, renowned author, and global influencer known for founding Saddleback Church, the Purpose Driven Network, the PEACE Plan, and Hope for Mental Health. He has written several best-selling books, including The Purpose Driven Life, which has sold over 35 million copies in 200 languages. Time magazine named Warren the most influential spiritual leader in America and one of the 100 most influential people in the world. Since stepping down from the lead pastor role at Saddleback in 2022, Warren has continued to inspire people through his Daily Hope Devotional and podcast Pastor Rick’s Daily Hope. His first book in a decade, Created to Dream, was released in April 2023.
For more Daily Hope with Rick Warren, please visit pastorrick.com!
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