Were you ever bullied? In school? In your workplace? “Intimidated” into silence or cooperation or agreement? Maybe you didn’t even realize it.
What is a “bully”?
“a person who habitually seeks to harm or intimidate those whom they perceive as vulnerable.”
It angers me (more than it probably should) when I see a person being bullied, intimidated, disrespected, and humiliated… ?Something rises up in me (that I know I need to quickly let settle back down… ?)
…but I am so thankful that Jesus is not a bully.?He is the most wonderful, beautiful example of a person that has ever existed. ?
How do we find ourselves being bullied into following those who want our agreement and cooperation so that they can grow in power? How is it that we can find ourselves in the place of being mislead and deceived? How can we get into this place of believing that we are seeing Jesus in these kinds of actions?
I’ve been asking all of these questions as I’ve felt burdened over a few things, and I was quickly reminded to get my eyes back onto Jesus. ?
So this morning I’ve been meditating on the nature of Jesus in the scriptures…. and it’s on my heart this morning to write about the truth of His beautiful nature. ?Because I love Him, and because I want to be able to recognize when it’s Him, and when it’s not.
Jesus is loving,
He’s joy,
He is the Prince of Peace,
He’s patient,
He’s kind,
He’s good,
He’s faithful,
He’s gentle,
and He has self-control.
“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” – Galatians 5:22
I love this quote by Jonathan Edwards, an American preacher,
“The nature of this glory of Christ that they shall see, will be such as will draw and encourage them, for they will not only see infinite majesty and greatness; but infinite grace, condescension and mildness, and gentleness and sweetness, equal to his majesty . . . so that the sight of Christ’s great kingly majesty will be no terror to them; but will only serve the more to heighten their pleasure and surprise.” – Jonathan Edwards
Jesus is majestic and courageous, and gentle and kind. He’s powerful, and He is Wisdom. He invites and draws us, He does not use “intimidation” –His actions come from His great love and compassion.
The definition of “intimidation” is this…
“to make timid or fearful”
“intentional behavior that “would cause a person of ordinary sensibilities” to fear injury or harm”
This is the instruction the Word has given us…
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” – Colossians 3:12
Jesus is honest and truthful, but He reveals the truth to us in a way that encourages us, renews and refreshes us, that we may know that we are loved and cherished because of this revelation of truth. We only feel more cherished and loved because of His way.
“Finally, all of you, have unity of mind, sympathy, brotherly love, a tender heart, and a humble mind.” – 1 Peter 3:8
“Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves. Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” -Philippians 2:3-4
“Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom.” – James 3:13
This is His way…?
“and [we ask that you appreciate them and] hold them in the highest esteem in love because of their work [on your behalf]. Live in peace with one another. 14 We [earnestly] urge you, believers, admonish those who are out of line [the undisciplined, the unruly, the disorderly], encourage the timid [who lack spiritual courage], help the [spiritually] weak, be very patient with everyone [always controlling your temper].” – 1 Thessalonians 5:13-14 AMP
“Celebrate with those who celebrate, and weep with those who grieve.” – Romans 12:15 TPT
“Be gracious in your speech. The goal is to bring out the best in others in a conversation, not put them down, not cut them out.” – Colossians 4:6 The Message
He is our King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Almighty and all-powerful… and yet He often chooses to speak to us in a small, quiet voice, a voice that invites us to listen, a voice that invites us to see, a voice that draws us into His truth, a voice that leads us in the way we should go.
I love how the Word paints such a beautiful picture of who Jesus is. When we know Him, we are able to recognize that it’s Him, and we will know, because we know Him, we know His heart. We know His nature. We know His way.
“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” – 1 Peter 5:8
“For God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.” – 2 Timothy 1:7
Oh Lord Jesus, help us. Help us to be like You, and help us not to be misled and deceived by those who claim to be of You, and yet they do not know You. Thank You for who You are, the example You are to us.
-Heather ?