Can Prayer Help When Your Child Faces Bullying?

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1 John 4:4
Last night, my son David broke down in tears. He confessed that he had chased down a classmate at school, demanding an apology for making fun of him. My heart ached as he shared how he’s been bullied—how his classmates single him out, call him "no fun," and mock him. David doesn’t fully understand yet that he has mild autism. His dad and I have been hesitant to tell him because, in the past, he’s reacted negatively to the word. But now, his peers are using it as a weapon against him.

As a mom, it’s crushing to see your child hurt, especially when they’re trying so hard to fit in. We’ve talked to his teachers, but the pain lingers. And as Christians, we wrestle with this truth: People will let us down. Friends will hurt us. The world can be cruel. But one thing remains unshaken—Jesus loves him. And so do we.

Bible Verses:

"Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another." – 1 John 4:11

"You, dear children, are from God and have overcome them, because the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world." – 1 John 4:4

Five Reflections on 1 John 4:11 - "We Ought to Love One Another"

1. Love Is a Choice, Not Just a Feeling David asked me, "Why is it so hard to love them, Mom?" And honestly? Because love isn’t always natural especially when we’re hurt.
But God calls us to love anyway, not because people deserve it, but because He first loved us (1 John 4:19).

2. Love Doesn’t Mean Weakness Forgiving doesn’t mean excusing bad behavior. David has every right to feel upset. But love means refusing to let bitterness take root. It means praying for those who hurt us—even when it’s the last thing we want to do.

3. Love Starts at Home Before David can love his classmates well, he needs to know he is loved. We remind him daily: "You are valued. You are seen. You belong." Love grows where it’s planted.

4. Love Looks Like Jesus Jesus loved the very people who rejected Him. If He could forgive those who crucified Him, then surely, with His help, we can forgive those who hurt us.

5. Love Changes Things The world expects revenge. But love? Love disarms. It confuses bullies. It breaks cycles of pain. And sometimes, it even changes hearts, starting with ours first.

Five Reflections on 1 John 4:4 – "Greater Is He Who Is in You"
1. You Are Not Defined by Their Words David’s classmates call him names, but God calls him beloved, chosen, His. The world’s labels don’t get the final say.

2. The Battle Isn’t Yours Alone When David feels outnumbered, we remind him: "God fights for you." The same power that raised Jesus from the dead lives in him (Romans 8:11).

3. Different Is Not Less Autism isn’t a flaw—it’s part of how God designed David. Different doesn’t mean broken; it means uniquely gifted.

4. Overcoming Starts in the Heart Victory isn’t about forcing others to change—it’s about standing firm in who God says you are.

5. This World Is Not Your Home Kids can be mean. Life can be unfair. But heaven is coming, and there, every tear will be wiped away (Revelation 21:4).

A Practical Call to Action
For Parents & Caregivers: Listen to your child’s hurts without rushing to fix it.  Affirm their worth daily. Teach them to pray for those who hurt them.
For the Church: Be a safe place for kids (and adults) who feel left out. Educate yourself on autism and other differences—love grows where understanding does.
For Those Who Feel Alone: You are not forgotten. God sees you, and His love is bigger than any rejection.

A Simple Prayer
"Jesus, today love feels hard. The hurt is real, and forgiveness seems impossible. But You are greater than my pain. Help me to love like You do—not because others deserve it, but because You loved me first. Remind me that I am Yours, and that’s enough. Amen."
1 John 4:4

Final Thought
To anyone feeling unloved today—whether you’re a struggling parent, a hurting child, or someone just trying to make sense of faith in a hard world—you are not alone.
God’s love doesn’t promise an easy life, but it does promise this: He is greater. And because of that, so are you.
Let’s choose love—even when it’s hard. 💛

Blessed Weekend!
Tess 💗🙏
Location: Phnom Penh, Cambodia

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