A Prayer For Bullies

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:38-47

Jessie slammed the back door and came into the kitchen with tears streaming down her face. “Jessie, are you all right?” asked Aunt Tiffany as she pulled an apple pie out of the oven.

Jessie sniffled. “School’s just so tough!” She had recently moved from Scotland and was having a hard time adjusting to her new school.

“What is it that’s so hard for you?” asked Aunt Tiffany gently.

“The other kids don’t like me at all,” said Jessie. “Today, a girl laughed at my clothes, and a boy in my class made fun of the way I talk! They made me feel so out of place.” She sighed. “I wish I could get even with them.”

“I’m sorry school’s rough,” said Aunt Tiffany as she handed a slice of pie to Jessie. “When I moved here from Scotland after marrying your Uncle Cody, I had a rough time too.”

“You did?” Jessie asked as she took a bite of pie.

“Yes. One of my coworkers wasn’t nice to me, and I really wanted to get back at her—kind of like how you want to get even with your classmates.”

“What did you do?” asked Jessie.

“Well, one morning, I read a verse in my Bible that reminded me Jesus didn’t want me to get even with people who treated me unkindly; He wanted me to pray for them instead! So, I started praying for my coworker. Later, my coworker apologized to me, and she even asked to come to church with me!”

“That’s so cool!” said Jessie.

Aunt Tiffany nodded. “But even if it hadn’t turned out that way, it helped me see others through a lens of love. I realized that because Jesus was willing to die for me, I could show His love to others and pray for them, even when they’re unkind to me.” She looked at Jessie. “That doesn’t mean you let people bully you, but instead of wanting to get even with them, you can love them and pray for them.”

Jessie finished her piece of pie and set down her fork. “Do you think we can pray for my classmates?”

“Sure,” said Aunt Tiffany, smiling. “Let’s start right now.”

-Carissa Vruggink

How About You?

Have other kids been unkind to you? Do you want to get back at them? In the Bible, Jesus tells us to love our enemies and pray for those who treat us badly. He loved us so much He was willing to die for us so we wouldn’t be His enemies anymore, and we can show His love to others. If someone is bullying you, it’s important to tell an adult so they can help. But don’t try to get even. Pray for them instead.

Today’s Key Verse:
Matthew 5:44 But I [Jesus] tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. (CSB)

Today’s Key Thought:

Pray for your enemies