WHAT DOES IT REALLY TAKE TO BE A FOLLOWER OF JESUS?
Simple obedience? The word “obey” is one of the least used and understood words in American culture today. It seems antiquated, irrelevant and
YOU ARE NOT WHAT YOU DO
You’ve just been introduced to someone for the first time. There are a couple of niceties exchanged and then without fail, almost
WHY YOU WILL WANT TO BE PHYSICALLY FIT
There are so many challenges you face every day, that if you don’t get in shape and toughen up, you will not
THE FOUR FOUNDATIONS OF A MAN’S LIFE
There are four areas of Life that every man faces every day. And the way they are handled will bring either joy
LEARN GOD’S TAKE ON MONEY
The Bible offers 500 verses on prayer, fewer than 500 verses on faith, and more than 2,000 verses about money!In fact, 15
GOD’S POWER TO LOVE YOUR SPOUSE
If you are a married man or plan on getting married you will expect to be happily married to the woman you
DEFINING SUCCESS FOR YOURSELF
"Show Me The Money!" That line out of the Tom Cruise movie, Jerry Maguire, pretty much tells the story for most American men.
8 STEPS TO A HAPPY MARRIAGE
Knowing what it takes to consistently love your wife in such a way that it guarantees that you will have a happy
7 STEPS TO CREATING INTIMACY WITH GOD
God made you. God loves you. God has a purpose for your life. The classic definition from the Westminster Catechism sums up our
WHO’S GOT YOUR BACK?
I’m a guy who, probably like you, prefers action movies. My favorites almost always seem to be battles of war based on
HOW TO HANDLE BULLIES!
There isn’t a single human on earth who at some point doesn’t have to deal with a bully. Define bully any way
MAYBE FOLLOWING JESUS ISN’T SUCH A GOOD IDEA?
“They left everything and followed him.” Lk 5:11After meeting Jesus the apostles made a radical decision that would change their lives forever. But
WHY IS THE “GOSPEL” CALLED GOOD NEWS?
Our men’s Bible study was looking to get a better grip on the meaning of the “Gospel. ”So we asked, “What exactly is
TAKING THINGS FOR GRANTED?
On occasion I’m able to walk the beach and catch a sunrise. The beauty and magnificence of God’s artwork can take anyone’s
HOW COME YOUR FAITH ISN’T GETTING YOU WHAT YOU WANT?
Okay so maybe you have been standing firm in your faith believing God for something you truly believe is His will. Could be
YOU CAN’T STOP GOD’S BLESSINGS!
Does it ever seem to you that sometimes God’s blessings are unstoppable?Unstoppable for others that is! Why does God do that? You peer
HOW TO HANDLE BULLIES!
There isn’t a single human on earth who at some point doesn’t have to deal with a bully. Define a bully any way you want but essentially it is simply that person in your life who makes things miserable for you by trying to control you.
They may think they have good intentions in mind for you or they might just be an outright evil-doer. Whatever their motive is, the effect on you is hurt, anxiety, confusion and fear that they won’t stop no matter what you do.
So what can you do?
Avoidance. In some cases where you have the opportunity and freedom, simply leave and don’t come back. Jesus instructed his disciples to “shake the dust off their feet” and leave if they were mistreated and rejected. But that may not be possible when it comes to certain relationships like marriage, work, school or family. In those cases you need to stay and deal with the adversity head on.
Silence. When you are assaulted with insults or unfounded accusations, don’t defend. Trying to defend your case often ends up strengthening your accuser. When Jesus was falsely accused and insulted he made no answer and did not seek revenge. In fact he said to bless those who curse you. It can be very disarming for someone who wants to pick a fight to have no one to fight back.
Love. This can be the most powerful weapon you have in dealing with a bully. Jesus told us to love our enemies and do good to those who hate you. That doesn’t mean we have to pretend to have feelings of love for someone who mistreats you. But it may mean showing love with actions of good deeds. Jesus said that if your adversary asks you to go one mile (in carrying his load), go two instead. Take the opportunity if it comes to show an act of kindness (or mercy) when your adversary is in need.
Pray. While it may be tempting to pray that God would punish your enemy, offer forgiveness instead. Pray for their welfare and that they would turn to God. Jesus modeled it for us and then asked us to do the same when he said, “Pray for those who persecute you.”
The bottom line in all this is for you to take the high road and stay at peace. Everyone has bullies. And you’ve been entrusted with an opportunity to grow bigger on the inside while modeling for others the way to deal with those who hurt you. Your patience, strength and courage will pay off and you will be honored and respected.
HOW TO HANDLE BULLIES!
There isn’t a single human on earth who at some point doesn’t have to deal with a bully. Define a bully any way you want but essentially it is simply that person in your life who makes things miserable for you by trying to control you.
They may think they have good intentions in mind for you or they might just be an outright evil-doer. Whatever their motive is, the effect on you is hurt, anxiety, confusion and fear that they won’t stop no matter what you do.
So what can you do?
Avoidance. In some cases where you have the opportunity and freedom, simply leave and don’t come back. Jesus instructed his disciples to “shake the dust off their feet” and leave if they were mistreated and rejected. But that may not be possible when it comes to certain relationships like marriage, work, school or family. In those cases you need to stay and deal with the adversity head on.
Silence. When you are assaulted with insults or unfounded accusations, don’t defend. Trying to defend your case often ends up strengthening your accuser. When Jesus was falsely accused and insulted he made no answer and did not seek revenge. In fact he said to bless those who curse you. It can be very disarming for someone who wants to pick a fight to have no one to fight back.
Love. This can be the most powerful weapon you have in dealing with a bully. Jesus told us to love our enemies and do good to those who hate you. That doesn’t mean we have to pretend to have feelings of love for someone who mistreats you. But it may mean showing love with actions of good deeds. Jesus said that if your adversary asks you to go one mile (in carrying his load), go two instead. Take the opportunity if it comes to show an act of kindness (or mercy) when your adversary is in need.
Pray. While it may be tempting to pray that God would punish your enemy, offer forgiveness instead. Pray for their welfare and that they would turn to God. Jesus modeled it for us and then asked us to do the same when he said, “Pray for those who persecute you.”
The bottom line in all this is for you to take the high road and stay at peace. Everyone has bullies. And you’ve been entrusted with an opportunity to grow bigger on the inside while modeling for others the way to deal with those who hurt you. Your patience, strength and courage will pay off and you will be honored and respected.