How would you feel if someone started calling you names? What if they made fun of your clothes, your friends, or your hair? What if they mocked the way you talk or play sports?
Most of us feel hurt and angry when we are teased. Because we know how bad it feels to be the target, we must make sure we never do it to others.
Valuing Our Differences
In school, at church, or in your neighborhood, there will always be people who are “easy” to tease. Maybe they look a little different or do not own the same things as everyone else.
But God made each of us unique, and we should celebrate those differences. We should never make jokes at someone else’s expense.
Jesus taught us that we must treat others exactly how we want to be treated (Matthew 7:12).
In fact, the Bible goes even further. It tells us to value others above ourselves (Philippians 2:3). This means we should treat ourselves well, but treat those around us even better—including showing love to our enemies (Matthew 5:44).
How to Respond to Mean People
How can you show love to someone who is mean to you?
1. Pray for them.
First, pray for that person to change. Do not just pray that they will leave you alone; pray that they will learn to follow Jesus.
2. Refuse to fight back.
Second, do not tease them back. It takes two people to have a fight.
Choose to ignore the insults. Show them by your example that you will not stoop to their level.
Often, they will get frustrated when they cannot get a reaction out of you. In the end, they are the ones who will look bad.
3. Understand their insecurity.
Finally, remember that people who make fun of others usually do not like themselves. A person who is truly confident does not need to tear others down to feel good.
Feel sorry for the person who has such low self-esteem that they have to make you feel bad just to boost their own mood.
Building Up the Church Family
If you love God, you should be especially careful to avoid teasing the people in your church. It is heartbreaking to see young Christians teasing each other or forming exclusive groups that shut others out.
We are all striving to reach heaven, and we need each other’s support. Our words should build one another up, not tear each other down.
Do not destroy someone with your words (Galatians 5:14-15).
Private Reflection Journal
What is one thing from this study that you can apply to your life today? Jot down your thoughts below.