KNOWLEDGE QUESTION 2: WHO IS THE DEVIL?

They torment your life. They call you names. They ridicule, insult or belittle family situations, personal characteristics or life situations. Oftentimes, they threaten to get possessions, favors or other unearned privileges.

Knowledge Question: What are the names given to these people?

They are called bullies.

A bully is a person who is habitually cruel, persecutes and intimidates weaker people. They thrive on the element of fear. They can be selfish, prideful, power-seeking and deceitful. Their behaviors include verbal put downs, backstabbing, or physical attacks.

Knowledge Question: Who is the spiritual bully?

He is the devil. He operates the same way as a human bully, however you cannot visually see this bully. He is spiritual. He works in your thoughts, through people and situations.

 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places. Ephesians 6:12King James Version (KJV)

As a bully, the devil searches for weaker or unlearned people in the Word who he can consume, belittle, ridicule or intimate.

Knowledge Question: Where is the spiritual bully’s playground?

The devil battles in the mind, whispering inimical thoughts, lies and confusion about you and your situation. He calls you names, weak, ugly, unpopular. He magnifies situations to make you feel bad about yourself. For example, if you have a pimple on your face. He will say you’re ugly and unattractive. And will go to imply that you’ll never get a boy or girlfriend. This may be exaggerated, but this is how he operates.

The devil wants to possess your way of thinking and your behaviors for you to react to everyday issues with fear. And he wants you to be a mess, stressed and depressed. If you listen to him you may begin to believe him.

• There are ways to go up against a bully. My first suggestion is to pray. Prayer is the first line of defense again the devil. A prayer is an intimate talk with your heavenly Father. Let Him know what’s going on. Ask for His wisdom.
• The Word of God is the best weapon to defeat bullies. There are scriptures you can say to yourself and others you can say out loud. Many reading this will not believe that mere words can do anything. But, these are not simple words, they are God’s Word producing power. You must believe the Word is your weapon—a powerful weapon. Say the scripture in the mirror. Say them throughout the day. Keep saying them over and over until you believe.
• Trust God. Believe God.  Even though it feels like He is not working. He is working. Have faith. The key is to listen. God will instruct you. He may tell you to do certain things. You must follow his instructions for success.

When it comes to the spiritual bully, the solution sounds simple, but it will take work. You must resist, fight against, and remain strong against the devil.

Knowledge Question: What are the 5 components to fight against the spiritual bully?

Through prayer, the Word, trust, belief and faith.