When You’re Bullied, Remember Who You Are

by Rick Warren — October 13, 2020

“Dear children, you belong to God. So you have won the victory over these people, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world.”

1 John 4:4 (GW)

What is your identity? If you are a Christian, then you are a son or daughter of the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. You are a part of God’s family. You were created in his image. God loves you. He made you for a purpose, and he has a plan for your life.

You need to remember who you are when you’re harassed or bullied. Why? Because bullies can smell weakness, insecurity, and low self-esteem a mile away. Bullies don’t usually go after confident or self-assured people. They look for someone who is feeling down or insecure or weak. They want to pick off people when they’re in their most vulnerable moments.

Who are you? You are not what other people say you are. You are who God says you are. God always speaks the truth, and it is the truth that sets you free and gives you confidence and courage. You’re going to be vulnerable to deception and manipulation until you’re confident in who you are. You need to settle today the issue of your identity and who you are in Jesus Christ because it will shape every area of your life.

God is your Creator. Jesus died for you. The Holy Spirit lives in you. You have the Trinity behind you. You don’t have to worry about bullies, because bullies have no real power over you.

The Bible says, “Dear children, you belong to God. So you have won the victory over these people, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world” (1 John 4:4 GW). Satan may be trying to take you down through a bully. But the One who is in you is greater than he that is in the world.

Remember your identity, which is what David, one of the great Israelite kings, did when he wrote: “When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?” (Psalm 56:3-4 NLT).

If God is on your side, it doesn’t matter who’s against you. You may have heard the phrase, “One plus God equals a majority.”

If God is for you, what can people do to you that would change who you are and how God feels about you?

Not a thing.

Talk It Over

  • Choose one of the Bible verses from today’s Daily Hope devotional. Begin memorizing it today so it will encourage you when you are bullied.
  • What, besides Jesus Christ, have you based your identity on? How did or does it affect your confidence?
  • What does Psalm 56:4 mean when it says, “What can mere mortals do to me?” (NLT)? Does being a Christian mean you will never experience physical or emotional pain?

How to Join God’s Family

Today you’ve read about how—if you’re a Christian—your identity is as a son or daughter of God. If you haven’t yet made that decision to follow Christ, God invites you to join his family today.

The Bible says all people fall short of God’s perfect standard. Yet God still loves you—even though you sin and you’re flawed. In fact, God loves you so much that he sent his Son, Jesus, to cleanse you from your sins and to bring you into the family of God.

If you’re ready to enter God’s family, here’s a prayer you can start with: “Dear God, I know that when I die I’m going to give an account of my life to you directly. I confess I have ignored you. I know I have sinned against you, and I have lived by my plan, not yours. I want that to change, starting right now. I want to turn away from my sins toward you.

“Thank you for sending Jesus to die for all I’ve done wrong so I don’t have to pay the penalty. I know I don’t deserve your forgiveness. I know only your grace can save me, Lord.

“Jesus, thank you for loving me so much that you took all my guilt on yourself. You made me acceptable for heaven, and I humbly ask you to save me. I ask you to save me from the sins and the habits that are messing up my life right now. I believe in you, Jesus. And I believe you will keep your promise to save me instantly, certainly, completely, and eternally. In Jesus’ name. Amen.”

If you prayed the prayer above, please write and tell me at [email protected]. I’d like to send you some materials as you begin your journey with Jesus.


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