My Bully Went to Rehab

Social media is a strange place filled with rabbit holes that lead us to surprising places. Where else can you go and watch a video on the government policy and its effect on economic growth only to follow it up with a video of Yoda singing about seagulls? I recently found myself journeying down one of these rabbit holes to nowhere when I discovered something unexpected.

As I scrolled aimlessly down my timeline, I saw where several of my friends had commented on a post. It was a simple post about how grateful an individual was about their experience in rehab and how much God had transformed their lives. The comments were all encouraging this individual in their recovery and their walk with God. I found myself so enthusiastic about seeing everyone being so supportive of someone overcoming a struggle in their life that it didn't even occur to me that I had overlooked the name attached to the original post. Suddenly, I thought to myself "I wonder who this could be." Then I saw it, the name of someone I never wanted to see again. The name of someone who made me feel so insignificant that I struggled to believe that anyone truly wanted to be my friend. The name of someone who mocked me relentlessly and called me names I can't even type on here. My bully had gone to rehab.

My heart sunk for a variety of different reasons. It was at that moment that I realized maybe I hadn't really forgiven this individual. Perhaps I still had harsh feelings toward them that prevent me from seeing them for who they really are. Then it hit me, was there a way I could have been an active witness to this person even when they were tormenting me? Could I have responded to the bullying in a way that would have shown them Christ earlier in life?

As I have dwelled on the words of this individual to me and how I handled the bullying I experienced I have been reminded of Jesus' words In Matthew 5:43-44: You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor[a]

and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. Not once in my life can I recall a time where I prayed for this person. At no point in my life did I ever stop and consider what might be happening in there life and ask God to bless them and help them.

The reality is this mentality is the exact opposite of the way we often think. Jesus had a masterful way of taking our preconceived ideas and flipping them upside down. It is counter-intuitive for us to look at someone we see as hurting us or as a threat and pray for them fervently asking God to help them see his grace at work in their lives. The reality is, however, that is precisely what God has called us to do. Far to often, however, we are hurt by the people around us, and we separate ourselves from them entirely without any consideration for the change that needs to occur in their lives. Do not get me wrong; I am not suggesting that we allow abuse to continue. If you are experiencing abuse, you have every right to care for yourself and escape from the situation as quickly and safely as possible. What I am suggesting, however, is a change of mindset.

When people hurt us and treat as though we are worthless, the response on our part must be to remember that we are all made in the Imago Dei (image of God). Their words and actions hold no power over us because we find our self-worth in God, but at the same time, we must remember that they are made in that same image and are at the very least, deserving of our prayers.

When we make loving the ones who hurt us a priority, we open ourselves up to the potential for God to work in us and through us. By loving our enemies and praying for them unconditionally, our hearts are transformed, forgiveness becomes more natural, and we begin to see people for who they truly are on a significantly more profound level. Loving our enemies also creates opportunities for speaking the Gospel into their lives. Love is a powerful tool in the face of adversity, and it indeed can change the heart of an enemy.

In a world that seems to be increasingly divided each day, it is becoming more critical than ever that we lovingly respond to our enemies.

Like my bully who went to rehab, we all have our battles, and we are all in need of love and God's grace. Perhaps you can be the spark in their life that opens up the doors to them hearing of God's love simply because you chose to love them first.