Twelve Bible principles that help individuals cope with bullying and violence
While the Bible may not explicitly mention "daily habits" many of its teachings can be applied as daily practices for mental and emotional well-being. Here are twelve practical daily habits inspired by biblical principles:
Practice Gratitude
Give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.
1 Thessalonians 5:18
Instructs us to give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus. We may not be thankful for all the circumstances we are in, but we can always be thankful for God's love for us and for our hope in eternity. Think of at least 5 things each day that you can be thankful for.
Look to God for deliverance
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation,
my stronghold and my refuge,
my savior; you save me from violence.
I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised,
and I am saved from my enemies......
who brought me out from my enemies;
you exalted me above those who rose against me;
you delivered me from men of violence.
2 Samuel 22:3-4,49
Suffering abuse, unless it is for being a christian, is not normal or healthy. Expect God to hear your pleas and deliver you from the situation. Look for and take opportunities to escape the harmful situation.
Start the Day with Prayer
Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
Encourages us not to be anxious but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present our requests to God. We all face worries that can get us down, but by praying through our worries we get renewed perspective and we can see when God does marvelous things in us and for us.
Read and Meditate on Scripture
Blessed is the man
who walks not in the counsel of the wicked,
nor stands in the way of sinners,
nor sits in the seat of scoffers;
but his delight is in the law of the Lord,
and on his law he meditates day and night.
Psalm 1:1-2
Speaks of the blessed person whose delight is in the law of the LORD, and who meditates on it day and night. Understanding of what the Bible says gives us wisdom to make good decisions and overcome the influences in our lives that are harming us.
Seek supportive friendships
And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.
Hebrews 10:24-25
Emphasizes not giving up meeting together, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. Others are able to encourage us and to help protect us.
Keep Serving Others
For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another. For the whole law is fulfilled in one word: “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.
Galatians 5:13-14
While we are free to enjoy ourselves this passage teaches us to serve one another humbly in love, fulfilling the law of Christ who came to serve rather than be served. Serving helps you keep a strong sense of self-worth
Avoid the wrong company
A man of violence entices his neighbor
and leads him in a way that is not good.
Proverbs 16:29
Bad company also destroys good morals. Peer pressure can compromise your principles and lead to your harm.
Do not seek revenge
Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
Romans 12:17-21
Seeking revenge perpetuates the trouble and things can only get worse. Forgiveness has the power of God's grace behind it and can transform people even to salvation.
Limit Exposure to Stressful and Negative Influences
Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.
Philippians 4:8
Tells us to think about whatever is true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, or praiseworthy. While bad news and concerns are ever-present, we can choose to minimize their negative impact on our lives by focusing on more hopeful and positive thoughts.
Seek Wisdom and Guidance
If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.
James 1:5
Encourages asking God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, for wisdom. The Bible encourages us to challenge God when we don't understand what is going on, and to seek the advice of others who have more wisdom than we do.
Warn and protect others from danger
For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
Ecclesiastes 3:1,7
Knowing the appropriate action to take requires wisdom. It may not be helpful to gossip or spread rumors, but there are times when it is appropriate to speak up.
Do not fear
Hear me, you who know what is right, you people who have my law in your hearts: Do not fear the reproach of men or be terrified by their insults. ... Do not be afraid; you will not suffer shame. Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated. You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.
Isaiah 51:7; 54:4
Though you have an understanding of what is right and wrong, to understand fully who you are and what you are worth to God you have to have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. For more understanding go to Become a Christian.
Implementing these practices can create a rhythm of life that not only aligns with biblical teachings but also supports mental and emotional health. To experience the full abundant life and peace that Jesus promises you need to be in a personal relationship with Him. Go to Become a Christian to find out more.
