"Bully"

Why do we think we have to,

Submit to what they say,

When they have shown so clearly,

They don’t think we’re okay.

Managing and trying,

To keep a low profile,

Stepping oh so lightly,

So their ire we don’t rile.

Maybe it would be better,

If we just stood on up,

Not with pride or arrogance,

Or anger in our cup.

But calmly and so quietly,

We said that’s enough,

Your rudeness is unwelcome,

We’ll find it’s mostly bluff.

Bullies aren’t that ready,

To deal with what is true,

Especially if it comes from,

Someone small like you.

But when it’s time to do it,

Reach down for a gear,

Pray a little prayer to God,

And don’t give in to fear.

Say what it is you need to,

And let fall where it may,

And then whatever happens,

Will surely be okay.

The Good Lord says forgive ‘em,

And He will help you to,

But you are no one’s door mat,

That boundary’s good for you.

“…we will speak the truth in love…” (Eph. 4:15, NLT)

Speaking truth in love, according to Paul, is the key to spiritual growth and maturity. Why? If all we speak is truth but have no love, people will not listen. They are alienated by what we try to say. If there is only love but no truth, no one’s life changes because they never understand why or how they need to change. The truth is needed to set people free. The two work together to help people grow past their faults, failings, and self-deception. Speaking the truth in love also enables us to establish safe boundaries between ourselves and others. People who are unsafe will take advantage if given the opportunity. Many allow this in the name of Christian love, but it is not what God expects. Forgiveness? Yes. But we are never called to go along to get along. We stand and speak for truth in love.

Lord, help us to speak the truth in love and back it up with our behavior, in Jesus’ name.

Art by Herman Walker, hermanwalker.com. Used by permission. Thanks, Herman, and God bless you.