"Bullying Defined"

"For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places."  Ephesians 6:12

Bullying has become a main topic over the last few years, although it has been around since the beginning of time.  I want to bring some insight and exposure this morning to what bullying truly is.

Bullying is an avenue through which to intimidate someone else.  The dictionary defines intimidate as:  frighten or overawe (someone), especially in order to make them do what one wants.  When you intimidate someone through bullying, or any other form, it is a form of manipulation.  The dictionary defines manipulate as:  control or influence (a person or situation) cleverly, unfairly, or unscrupulously.

The root of bullying is evil.  It is manipulation.  Manipulation is a form of witchcraft.  It is deceptive.  It uses "emotional power" over another in order to gain power and control over them.  

Bullying is not the only form that intimidation and manipulation come in, there are others.  But if you are being bullied.  If you are being intimidated.  If you are being coerced into doing something against your will, then someone else is trying to control you.  They are trying to impose their own selfish will and desire on you.  Don't let them.  That is how the devil operates and he is using them-- we don't wrestle against flesh and blood-- to try to steal, kill and destroy you.

Bullying, intimidation, manipulation, witchcraft is a strong and powerful tool that the devil uses.  But it is not stronger than the saving power of Jesus Christ.  He destroyed the works of the devil at the cross.  You don't have to yield to that "bullying".  You don't have to become its "slave".  You don't have to fall "prey".  You, through the power of Christ, can overcome.  If you are a born-again child of God, greater is He that is in you than he that is in the world.  You have been given power and authority over all the powers of the enemy.  Fear is the "big guns" that the enemy uses in bullying (intimidation and manipulation).  You don't have to fear.  God has not given you a spirit of fear, but a spirit of power, love and a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)

So stand fast in the freedom you have in Christ Jesus.  Don't give in to the bullying, intimidation and manipulation.  Hold fast to the Lord and His promises.  Be strong in the Lord and the power of His might.  And remember that Jesus already defeated the enemy on your behalf.

Have a great day.  Bullying is evil.  It is manipulation, which is a form of witchcraft.  You have power over this evil through Jesus Christ and don't have to become its victim.