Bullying

All of God’s children are unique in their own way.  Just because they are different does not make them freaks.  It is sad to say that bullying has become more common in today’s society.  It appears to be starting at a younger age and continuing well into adulthood.  These individuals suffer a great deal of verbal and mental abuse at the hand of their abusers, some even endure physical abuse as well.  Bullying can occur for many reasons ranging from music and clothing choices to personal appearance and lifestyle choices.  In most cases, the bullying is motivated by the self-esteem issues (whether overly low or high) of the abuser.  The victims feel like their world is spinning out of control and nothing makes sense to them.  Prolonged abuse can make the victim fell like life is not worth living or the pent up frustration causes them to become angry with the world, especially if they feel like no one is listening or taking their cries for help seriously.  The end result, if left unaddressed, may result in the victim taking his or her own life or the lives of others they feel threatened by.  .  None of God’s creatures are meant to die in violence, and taking one’s own life or the life of another is not the answer. In Ecclesiastes 7:17, we are left to wonder why anyone would want to leave the world before their purpose has been met.  Why leave so soon?

This is where communication with God our Father and Jesus our Savior can be crucial in these times of crisis.  God and Jesus are always willing to listen to our problems and guide our way down the best path for us.  In Jeremiah 15:15, he asks God to stand with him and help him face his aggressors.  God has a way of making sense out of chaos and confusion.  The torment that Jesus endured in His life that ultimately resulted in His crucifixion indicates that Jesus understands suffering.  The resurrection of Jesus is not only a sign that our sins are forgiven, but also that there is nothing that we can’t rise above and get through if we put our faith in Him.  We need Christ’s intervention in our lives, especially in times of distress, to show us the path that is best for us to follow.  If we silence ourselves, it allows God and Jesus to intervene and show us what is best in such ways as dreams, visions, or simply an overwhelming feeling of calm that gives us the strength to do what is needed.  The messages that are received from God and Jesus may not be obvious and the result may not be the one we expect, but we must believe that it is the best option for us and put our faith in Him.

We also can be of assistance to someone by listening and empathizing with them.  We may not have the answers that they are looking for, but we can be their soft place to fall and their support system.  We also can ask God and Jesus to not only watch over them, but also to help guide us in supporting them and helping them through their difficult journey.  Recognizing the signs that someone is in crisis is the beginning.  Allow God to guide you and encourage them to trust in God and Christ for the strength to face the situation.  Never give up….no matter what.

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As a long time member of ULC, Rev. Long created the seminary site to help train our ministers. We also have a huge selection of Universal Life Church  minister supplies. Since being ordained with the Universal Life Church for so many years and it's Seminary since the beginning, I've watch the huge change and growth that has continued to happen.