Bullies

Bullies And God

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“Bullies in the Bible”

The Bible offers much insight into the topic of bullying, with one of the most well-known passages being the story of David and Goliath in 1 Samuel 17. We often marvel at the young boy, David, who faced off against a literal giant—Goliath, the bully. Goliath was said to be over nine feet tall, nearly the height of a typical room’s floor-to-ceiling height.

Reflecting on this story, we notice some compelling parallels to the dynamics of bullying. But first, it’s important to recognize that “bullying” is not a modern phenomenon—it’s been around for as long as human history. In fact, many scholars interpret this passage as a metaphor for the ultimate bully, Satan, who opposes Jesus, the Good Shepherd of our Souls.

In verse 1, we see the formation of a bullying environment:

“Now the Philistines gathered their forces for war and assembled…” (v.1)

The word “gathered” suggests building numbers, creating a fertile environment for bullying. Bullies often form large groups of followers—gatherings that can grow to terrifying proportions. This sense of growing momentum is achieved by bullies cultivating loyalty and using intimidation as a tool for control.

Have you ever experienced the eerie silence around a person who is being bullied? That silence is often a tactic used by bullies to sow fear and maintain control. The followers of the bully may not be loyal to the agenda but are silenced out of fear of retribution. Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous words, “There comes a time when silence is betrayal,” ring especially true here. For the person being bullied, silence can feel like betrayal. And make no mistake—this silence is strategically cultivated by the bully to isolate their target.

In verse 4, we gain further insight into Goliath’s role as the bully:

“A champion named Goliath, who was from Gath, came out of the Philistine camp.” (v.4)

Often, we think of the story as solely about David and Goliath, but it’s actually part of a much larger battle between the Israelites and the Philistines. Goliath was just the tool, the means by which the Philistines sought to assert their dominance. In reality, the Philistines are the true antagonists. They believed they were the victims, using that narrative to justify their aggression. This is another common tactic of bullies—they often play the victim in order to solicit sympathy and further their cause. By portraying themselves as wronged, they deflect attention from their harmful behavior.

Verse 5 gives us a closer look at Goliath, the bully:

“He had a bronze helmet on his head and wore a coat of scale armor of bronze weighing five thousand shekels.”(v.5)

Five thousand shekels equates to about 78 pounds—this bully was strong, well-armed, and imposing. His size alone made him appear superior. Bullies often thrive on perceived superiority, using their physical or social stature as a weapon to instill fear.

Verse 8 reveals Goliath’s verbal bullying:

“Goliath stood and shouted to the ranks of Israel.” (v.8)

Discrediting the victim is another powerful tactic that bullies use. The bully’s words can confuse and disorient their target, leading them to question their own worth and abilities. This erodes confidence and hope, which is exactly what happened to the Israelites. They were paralyzed with fear.

In verse 11, we see the effects of bullying:

“The Israelites were dismayed and terrified.” (v.11)

This moment captures the essence of how bullying can make its victims doubt themselves. It’s a technique known as gaslighting, where the bully’s tactics cause the victim to question their own reality. At this point, it felt as if the Israelites were doomed, and indeed, they were on the brink of despair.

When young David arrived on the scene, his own brother—part of the Israelite army—mocked him. This is another tragic facet of bullying: the breakdown of support systems. Sometimes, those closest to the victim may join in or turn away, further isolating the one being bullied.

But David, who had spent much time in the fields as a shepherd, meditating on God, brought a different perspective. His faith in something bigger than the bully—his trust in God Himself—changed the narrative. Sometimes, when we’re caught in the whirlwind of a bullying situation, it’s difficult to see beyond our emotions. Yet, this broader perspective is exactly what we need in moments of crisis.

When King Saul heard of David’s hope and boldness, he quickly allowed David to face Goliath in battle. The words David spoke in verse 45 turned the tide:

“I come against you in the name of the Lord Almighty.” (v.45)

David’s confidence was rooted in his complete trust in the Lord. He knew that, as God’s servant, he had nothing to fear. For Goliath to come against David was to come against God’s people, and in that, David found strength. He wasn’t relying on his own abilities, but on God’s provision and power. Remarkably, David had already been prepared for this moment by his experiences defending his sheep from wild animals. His humble beginnings as a shepherd had trained him to face giants—both literal and metaphorical. Armed with only a sling and a stone, David brought down the bully and secured victory.

I pray that if you find yourself in a bullying situation, you, too, will draw on God’s provision and courage to face your Goliath.

Bullies rely on subtle, manipulative tactics.
Recognizing the game is the first step to ending it.
➡️ [Grab your Bully Proofing guide today.]
#ArmedWithInformation

For more information on the characteristics of a bully, visit:

Bullies Demand Loyalty

Bullies Discredit

Bullies Play The Victim

Bullies Gaslight

Bullies Crave Superiority

X Marks The Bully

Bullies Phantom Influence

Bully Proofing

Bullies Phantom Influence

/ Grand Times / 1 Comment

“The Phantom Influence of Bullies”

by Paula Masters

Lingering allegiance to a bully is more common than we realize, even after their primary role in our lives has diminished. Much like phantom pain felt from a missing limb, the trauma caused by a bully can echo into our future, long after the bully has gone.

Bullying creates deep, lasting impressions on the brain, and this phantom loyalty can persist far beyond its expiration date. We may still feel bound by unspoken or spoken pledges of loyalty. Our reflexive tendency to fall in line—either to avoid retaliation or to seek approval—often goes unnoticed. In doing so, we unknowingly carry a bully’s disrespect, whether toward ourselves or others, and we continue to be swept along by old loyalties.

This dynamic is especially evident in adult children who feel an intense sense of loyalty to a domineering parent. Even after that parent is no longer present, the adult child may feel obligated to adhere to their parent’s values or expectations. Pursuing an independent path can stir guilt and internal conflict, creating resistance to change.

On the flip side, this same dynamic can happen in reverse, where an adult child may bully their parent, using manipulation, guilt, or emotional pressure to control them. In these cases, the parent may feel bound by a sense of duty or misplaced loyalty, even when the adult child’s behavior is harmful. The parent can become stuck in a cycle of self-doubt and guilt, unsure of how to assert their own needs or boundaries.

Naturally, this leaves us confused and unsure of how to move forward. To free ourselves, we must recognize that it’s perfectly okay to think and act differently.

Here are some steps to help break free from the phantom influence:

  1. Identify how you want to behave differently than the person who has had a controlling influence in your life.
  2. Own the mistakes that were inspired by the bully’s behavior.
  3. Give yourself permission to say “no”—if you once complied under pressure, it’s okay to change your mind.
  4. Find a trustworthy accountability partner who supports your growth.
  5. Accept that guilt is a natural part of breaking free. Misplaced loyalty is often driven by guilt, which is why it can hold such a powerful grip on us.

Bullies rely on subtle, manipulative tactics.
Recognizing the game is the first step to ending it.
➡️ [Get your Bully Proofing guide today.]
#ArmedWithInformation

Bully Proofing

Bullies Gaslight

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“Bullies and Gaslighting”

Gaslighting is a tactic where an individual or entity manipulates a victim into questioning their own reality in order to gain more power. It is a common technique used by abusers, dictators, narcissists, and cult leaders.

When we apply this concept to the behavior of bullies, we see how all the characteristics of bullying work together toward a single ultimate goal—gaslighting. The aim is to craft a “believable” false narrative that turns others against the victim. It is sabotage on every level. Bystanders become numb, their judgment impaired, because they’ve drunk, so to speak, from the Kool-Aid of gaslighting.

The few who bravely stand up for the victim are quickly cut down to size by the gaslighter or their followers. Sadly, gaslighters often have loyal followers, and part of their manipulation is to exploit these supporters. These followers are strategically placed within the bullying scenario to cheer on the bully and pressure anyone who opposes them.

For those of us who recognize that we’re caught in, or witnessing, this kind of bullying, we must decisively put down the cup of Kool-Aid handed to us by the gaslighter and their followers. This is an intentional act of abstinence during manipulation. We must stop drinking from a narrative that’s been twisted beyond recognition. Even the sharpest minds can struggle to differentiate between truth and deliberate distortion. Therefore, the antidote is not always found in seeking out evidence (which may be falsified), but rather in understanding character. It always comes back to character. When in doubt, character is a reliable guide to reality and wisdom.

For example, a victim’s story may seem bleak because it’s been discredited and tainted by the bully—but their character will always tell a different story. In contrast, a bully’s narrative might appear polished and convincing, but their character will always reek of intimidation and threat. Even if the bully’s story seems compelling, aligning yourself with them is a perilous choice. How they treat others is a clear indication of how they will eventually treat you.

Do you know someone who is being bullied? If so, offer them an encouraging wink to show them that you’re not drinking the Kool-Aid served by bullies and gaslighters.

Bullies rely on subtle, manipulative tactics.
Recognizing the game is the first step to ending it.
➡️ [Get your Bully Proofing guide today.]
#ArmedWithInformation

Bully Proofing

X Marks The Bully

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X Marks the Bully
In the preceding sections, we’ve explored some often-overlooked traits of bullies: they play the victim, crave superiority, demand loyalty, and work to discredit anyone they see as a threat. In this portion of Bully Awareness, we introduce a powerful mental tool: placing an “X” on bullying behavior—both the traits we’ve already identified and the new ones we continue to observe.

Placing a mental X mark is more than just symbolic. It helps us clearly identify bullying behavior and recognize it as a psychological warning sign. You might be surprised how effective this can be in resisting manipulation. One of the main reasons bullying persists is our human tendency to forget—or even deny—that someone is, in fact, a bully. This is partly due to a psychological dynamic similar to Stockholm Syndrome.

Stockholm Syndrome is a condition in which hostages develop emotional bonds with their captors—a form of psychological survival. The term originates from a 1973 bank robbery in Stockholm, Sweden, where hostages, after six days of captivity, began sympathizing with and defending their captors. The phenomenon illustrates how abuse of power, fear, and isolation can warp our perception and create emotional dependence—even loyalty—to the source of our suffering.

Although most bullies are not literal kidnappers, many use similar tactics of psychological captivity. Research has shown that elements of Stockholm Syndrome can appear in various environments—workplaces, homes, schools—where control and manipulation are at play.

Here are some key parallels:

  • Perceived Threats: The bully convinces the victim that speaking out or challenging the status quo will lead to isolation or rejection.

  • Small Acts of Kindness: Occasional kindness is strategically used to maintain loyalty and confuse the victim.

  • Isolation from Other Perspectives: Bullies often work to silence outside influences or alternative viewpoints.

  • Perceived Inability to Escape: Victims begin to believe they are stuck and must simply make the best of it.

This is a form of toxic captivity. That’s why the mental X is so valuable—it keeps us focused on reality. The “x” in the word toxic serves as a fitting reminder. Visualizing that X on any bullying behavior helps break the spell of manipulation. It also signals to others that we are aware—and that awareness invites connection.

When one person begins to recognize the bullying for what it is, it encourages others to do the same. This shift from “me” to “we” can dissolve the isolation bullies rely on. Suddenly, conversations can happen. Ideas for change can emerge. Collaboration shines light on the situation and begins to weaken the grip of control. It can even help address that false belief that there is no way out.

You may already be thinking of someone in your life who fits this description. Perhaps it’s someone you care about deeply—a family member, neighbor, fellow church member, or even a public figure. The truth is, bullies don’t always look like villains. But placing that mental X is a courageous first step in protecting ourselves and others.

And for those bullies open to change, kindness and compassion can be powerful tools for redirection. But until that change comes—get your mental pen ready. Draw a bold X over any behavior that holds you or others hostage. Awareness is the beginning of freedom.

Bullies rely on subtle, manipulative tactics.
Recognizing the game is the first step to ending it.
➡️ [Get your Bully Proofing guide today.]
#ArmedWithInformation

Bully Proofing

Bullies Play The Victim

/ Grand Times / 5 Comments
Bullying Awareness: The Tactic of Victimization
 
Navigating a relationship or environment that involves a bully can be both prolonged and complex.

One of the most challenging aspects often lies beyond the bully themselves and found within the community or circle where the bully holds influence. A group can easily adopt a bully’s narrative, genuinely believing they are championing a just cause. This frequently stems from a lesser-known but powerful tactic: the bully playing the victim.

This strategy is arguably one of the most effective tools in a bully’s arsenal. By portraying themselves as the wronged party, they ignite emotional support and sympathy, shifting focus away from their harmful behavior. This tactic allows them to reverse roles with their actual victim, often leaving outsiders confused or misled. We frequently see this in courtrooms, where defense attorneys may depict a guilty client as a misunderstood or victimized individual. As the jury deliberates, emotional manipulation can cloud reason. The issue is no longer just about the accused—it now involves a group whose emotions have been influenced. The ultimate goal? To cast doubt on the real victim and redirect empathy toward the perpetrator.

This dynamic plays out in real-world bullying as well. Many bullies—often shaped by difficult personal histories—may genuinely perceive themselves as victims. This confusion can blur their understanding of their own aggressive behavior. When others don’t validate their attempts to control or dominate, they may double down on their victim narrative. They use their target’s emotional responses as ammunition, aiming to provoke outbursts that make the true victim appear unstable or irrational. This can lead onlookers to question who is really at fault. Bullies gain both credibility and satisfaction from these emotionally charged exchanges, as exposing vulnerability in others reinforces their own sense of power.

The community aspect makes confronting bullies particularly challenging. If you answer “yes” to any of the following questions, you may be facing a bully—or a group influenced by one who is exploiting a victim persona:

  1. Do you know someone who maintains control by consistently portraying themselves as a victim?

  2. Have you noticed growing sympathy or division surrounding someone with a history of bullying behavior?

  3. Is someone in your life displaying familiar bullying traits—such as discrediting others, demanding loyalty, seeking superiority, or manipulating through a victim mentality?

When supporting someone who is being bullied, one of the most effective tools we have is logic. While a bully’s tactics can be deeply unsettling, remember: their aim is to provoke emotional reactions that bolster their false victim narrative. By recognizing this pattern, we can resist emotional manipulation and respond with clarity, reason, and discernment.

If this post resonated with you, there’s more waiting. Bully Proofing: A Guide to Bully Awareness and Prevention offers practical tools (such as a personal checklist), real insight, and the clarity you need to stand strong—whether you’re dealing with a bully now or healing from one in your past.

Bullies don’t always shout. Sometimes they smile.
➡️ [Get your Bully Proofing guide today.]
#ArmedWithInformation