Loving Those Who Are Hard To LoveExemplo

Loving Those Who Bully

Paul calls us to active, positive and generous engagement with those who bully us. We’re not to simply ignore them or seek revenge. We ought to seek to do good for them. Now, this doesn’t mean we’re to stay in an abusive situation. Instead, we’re called to reflect God’s mercy that we’ve received. Romans 5:10 says, “For if, while we were God’s enemies, we were reconciled to him through the death of his Son, how much more, having been reconciled, shall we be saved through his life!”

What does it mean to heap burning coals? It’s a reference to Proverbs 25:21-22 and refers to an Egyptian custom of carrying a pan of burning coals on one’s head as a sign of repentance. So, when we’re kind to our enemies, they are likely to be ashamed of their actions and repent.

Evil struggles to stand against the courageous and sacrificial love of God’s people. Let’s learn from this example:

Jed lives with his grandmother Mary in south Asia. His father died several years ago and his mother abandoned him for a job in another country. Due to his unstable environment, Jed became violent with other children and also used hurtful language.

Mary often received complaints from Jed’s friends that he would take away food from their plates without asking. He was a bully, especially to children weaker than him. “My Jed was a problem child, but I knew he felt insecure because he didn’t have parents like the other children,” said Mary. 

When the staff at his Compassion center noticed Jed’s behavior, they didn’t scold him, but rather befriended him and gave him responsibilities at the project. Jed was asked to take lead in helping distribute the plates during meals. This helped him see the importance of giving to others, instead of taking from them. He was selected as the cricket team captain, so instead of bullying, he would learn to guide his team.

Because he was kept engaged by loving leaders, Jed found a stride in his activities and gradually learned to speak to his teachers and friends with respect. Due to the support at the Compassion center, he grew up to be a well-rounded leader and a loving neighbor to those around him.

It can be difficult to love someone who isn’t making healthy choices in their life. It’s much easier to write them off as someone who makes bad decisions and that’s it. But that’s exactly the opposite of what God calls His people to do. We’re supposed to lean into these lives and love them like they’ve never been loved before. Showing them the love of Christ can open their heart in ways we could never imagine!

Prayer:

Father, give me Your heart towards people who make decisions I don’t understand. Give me the strength and patience to see them the way You do. Help me see them as You see them. Give me a love and then ability to serve them. In Jesus’ name, amen.

*Names changed