Listen

You must not act unjustly in a legal case. Do not show favoritism to the poor or deference to the great; you must judge your fellow Israelites fairly. Do not go around slandering your people. Do not stand by while your neighbor’s blood is shed; I am the Lord.

Leviticus 19:15-16

Think

Bullying is not always being shoved in a locker or called names. Sometimes, a thousand little things make you boil with emotion. And teachers and other adults don’t always respond how you want or need.

If only some adults had said, “I believe you… Tell me more… Your perspective on your life is most important and deserves to be heard… I wish that things had been different for you.” If only they had asked, “What does justice look like for you? What can I do to help?” If only!

God is so sorry that you have been bullied. God feels your pain. God knows it hurts bad! It isn’t supposed to be this way. This isn’t what you were created for. Ultimately, it’s important to recall that injustice is temporary. God wants you to know that no matter who your teachers favored in middle school or how other adults responded, God sees and loves you. And that in God’s kingdom, there are no bullies. There is only love and justice.

Youth participants of the Episcopal Youth Event 2023

Question to Ponder:

If you have been treated unfairly or bullied, what words or actions would help you feel hope again?

Pray

God, I’ve been bullied, and it has hurt bad!

Help me know that your love for me is more than any of the hurt I feel.

When I am not hurting, let me help others who are feeling hurt.

Amen.

Go

Just knowing you’re mindful of me

Just knowing you call me your child

It’s flooding my soul with unspeakable hope

Thank you, Lord, that it’s me on your mind

Matthew West in “Me On Your Mind” (2022)