Harassment, whether physical, emotional, or verbal, is never acceptable, and the Bible calls for treating others with dignity and respect. Jesus teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves and stand against injustice. Explore what the Bible says about standing up against harassment and supporting those who are wronged.
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What Does The Bible Say About Harassment
1 Peter 3:14
“But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened.””
This verse reminds us that even in the face of harassment for doing what is right, we are blessed. We are encouraged not to fear the threats of others but to stand firm in our convictions.
Harassment can often cause fear and intimidation, but as believers, we can find comfort in the knowledge that God is with us. We can be strengthened by His presence and trust that He will guide and protect us in difficult times.
Proverbs 29:25
“Fear of man will prove to be a snare, but whoever trusts in the LORD is kept safe.”
This verse warns against the trap of fearing others and the opinions they hold. When we are harassed, it is easy to be influenced by the fear of what others might think or do. However, placing our trust in the Lord brings safety and security.
Trusting in God allows us to rise above the fear and anxiety that harassment can bring. We can find peace knowing that our worth and identity are rooted in Him, not in the opinions or actions of others.
Psalm 27:1-2
“The LORD is my light and my salvation—whom shall I fear? The LORD is the stronghold of my life—of whom shall I be afraid? When the wicked advance against me to devour me, it is my enemies and my foes who will stumble and fall.”
This powerful passage reminds us of the strength and protection we have in the Lord. When faced with harassment or opposition, we can find courage in the knowledge that God is our light, salvation, and stronghold.
God is greater than any enemy or foe that may come against us. We can trust that He will bring justice and righteousness, causing our harassers to stumble and fall.
Matthew 5:11-12
“Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way, they persecuted the prophets who were before you.”
This verse reminds us that when we face harassment or persecution because of our faith in Christ, we are blessed. Rather than being disheartened, we should rejoice and be glad, knowing that our reward in heaven is great.
Harassment can often lead to feelings of injustice or resentment, but this verse encourages us to shift our perspective and focus on the eternal reward that awaits us. We can draw strength from the examples of the prophets who were also persecuted for their faith.
Psalms 118:6
“The LORD is with me; I will not be afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?”
In the face of harassment, this verse reminds us of the assurance we have in the presence of the Lord. When we know that God is with us, we can find peace and confidence, realizing that human actions cannot ultimately harm us.
Harassment often seeks to induce fear and anxiety, but when we trust in the Lord, we can overcome these negative emotions. We can rest in the assurance that nothing can separate us from His love and protection.
Isaiah 54:17
“No weapon forged against you will prevail, and you will refute every tongue that accuses you. This is the heritage of the servants of the LORD, and this is their vindication from me,” declares the LORD.”
This powerful promise from Isaiah reminds us that no weapon or accusation wielded against us will ultimately succeed. As servants of the Lord, we have the heritage and vindication that He provides.
Even in the face of harassment, we can trust in God’s faithfulness and know that He will refute every false accusation. His justice will prevail, and our reputation and righteousness will be upheld.
Romans 8:31
“What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?”
When we face harassment, it’s important to remember that if God is on our side, no one can stand against us. This verse emphasizes the power and protection we have as believers when we place our trust in God.
Harassment may make us feel isolated and overwhelmed, but knowing that the Creator of the universe is with us brings reassurance and strength. We can face any opposition with confidence, knowing that God fights on our behalf.
Matthew 10:28
“Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”
This verse provides a perspective shift when facing harassment or threats. While we may fear the harmful actions of others, Jesus reminds us to fear God, who has authority over both our physical bodies and eternal souls.
Though harassment may bring physical harm, it cannot ultimately determine our eternal fate. Our focus should be on honoring and obeying God rather than being afraid of what others can do to us.
Romans 12:14
“Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.”
In the midst of harassment, this verse challenges us to respond with love rather than bitterness or retaliation. We are called to bless and pray for those who persecute us, striving to overcome evil with goodness.
Responding to harassment with blessings requires a supernatural perspective, recognizing that the source of our strength and grace is from God. By choosing to respond with love and blessing, we align ourselves with Christ’s example and trust in His transformative power.
2 Timothy 1:7
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love, and self-discipline.”
When facing harassment, we can draw upon the power of the Holy Spirit within us. Instead of succumbing to fear or timidity, we can rely on the power, love, and self-discipline that God has bestowed upon us.
Knowing that the Spirit is within us enables us to navigate harassment with strength and wisdom. We can respond to difficult situations with courage, love, and self-control, rather than being controlled by fear or anger.
Romans 8:18
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”
In the face of harassment, this verse encourages us to focus on the eternal perspective. Though we may experience suffering and difficulties in this life, the glory and joy that await us in eternity far outweigh any present struggles.
When harassed, we may be tempted to lose hope or become discouraged. However, this verse reminds us to fix our eyes on the future hope that God has promised, finding comfort and strength in His ultimate victory.
James 1:2-3
“Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.”
Harassment can serve as a trial that tests our faith and perseverance. This verse challenges us to view these trials as opportunities for growth and to consider them as pure joy.
While it may be difficult to see the silver lining in the midst of harassment, we can trust that God is using these trials to strengthen our faith and develop perseverance. By shifting our perspective, we can find joy even in the face of adversity.
Psalm 34:17-18
“The righteous cry out, and the LORD hears them; he delivers them from all their troubles. The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit.”
When we are harassed, we can take comfort in knowing that the Lord hears our cries and delivers us from our troubles. He is near to the brokenhearted and saves those who feel crushed in spirit.
Harassment can leave us feeling wounded, emotionally and spiritually. However, this verse assures us that God is intimately involved in our pain and will bring deliverance and healing to our hearts.
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
In the face of harassment, it is essential to find strength and encouragement in the support of fellow believers. This verse emphasizes the importance of building one another up and offering mutual support in challenging times.
Through acts of encouragement, we can combat the effects of harassment and lift each other’s spirits. Together, we can find solace, strength, and renewed hope as we stand united in Christ.
Proverbs 15:1
“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.”
When faced with harassment, this verse reminds us of the power of responding with gentleness and grace. While it may be tempting to reciprocate with anger or aggression, choosing a gentle response can help de-escalate the situation.
Responding to harassment with kindness can have a surprising effect on the harasser. It may diffuse tension, prevent further conflict, and even provide an opportunity for reconciliation and understanding.
Ephesians 6:12
“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.”
When facing harassment, it is important to remember that our battle is not against the individuals who harass us, but against the spiritual forces of darkness that influence their actions.
This verse encourages us to approach harassment with a spiritual perspective, focusing on prayer, spiritual warfare, and relying on the strength of the Lord to overcome the attacks of the enemy.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
In the midst of harassment, this verse reminds us of the importance of casting our cares and burdens upon the Lord. When we surrender our anxieties and struggles to Him, He promises to sustain us and keep us firm.
Harassment can leave us feeling shaken and overwhelmed, but through prayer and trust in God’s faithfulness, we can find stability and peace. He is our refuge and source of strength in times of trouble.
Matthew 10:16
“I am sending you out like sheep among wolves. Therefore be as shrewd as snakes and as innocent as doves.”
When facing harassment, this verse encourages us to approach the situation with both wisdom and innocence. We are called to be shrewd in discerning the intentions and tactics of those who harass us, while maintaining a heart of purity and love.
Finding the balance between discernment and innocence can be challenging, but by following the guidance of the Holy Spirit, we can navigate harassment with wisdom, grace, and humility.
John 15:18-19
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you.”
Harassment can sometimes stem from the world’s hatred towards followers of Christ. This verse reminds us that if we experience hatred or persecution, it is because we do not belong to the world but have been chosen by Jesus.
When harassed, we can find solace in the fact that our identity and belonging are found in Christ, not in the world. We can draw strength from knowing that Jesus Himself faced hatred, and we are united with Him in that experience.
Psalm 9:9
“The LORD is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
For those who experience harassment, this verse provides the assurance that the Lord is a refuge and stronghold in times of trouble. He is a safe haven for the oppressed, offering protection and security.
When we feel overwhelmed by harassment, we can find comfort and strength in God’s presence. He is our rock and fortress, providing a place of safety and hope amidst the storms of life.
Romans 12:19
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.”
In the face of harassment, it can be tempting to seek revenge or justice on our own. However, this verse cautions us against taking matters into our own hands and instead encourages us to trust in God’s perfect justice.
By leaving room for God’s wrath and entrusting the situation to Him, we release the burden of seeking revenge and can find peace in knowing that He will handle the matter according to His wisdom and righteousness.
2 Corinthians 4:17
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”
Harassment may cause us temporary troubles and suffering, but this verse reminds us that these trials are preparing us for an eternal glory that will outweigh all our present struggles.
While harassment can be painful and burdensome, by aligning our perspective with the eternal perspective, we can find hope and endurance. We can trust that God will use these trials to refine our faith and ultimately bring about a greater glory.
Psalm 118:5
“When hard-pressed, I cried to the LORD; he brought me into a spacious place.”
When we are being harassed and feeling trapped and overwhelmed, this verse reminds us that calling out to the Lord can bring us into a spacious and wide open place.
God’s deliverance can take us out of the constrictions and suffocation of harassment and bring us into a place of freedom and peace. He is able to provide a way out and create space for us to breathe and thrive.
2 Timothy 2:24-25
“And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth.”
When facing harassment, this verse calls us to exhibit qualities of kindness and patience. Rather than engaging in quarrels or holding resentments, we are called to gently instruct our opponents in the hope that they may come to know the truth.
Responding with gentleness and kindness can have a transformative effect on our harassers. While it may be challenging, this approach opens the door for dialogue, understanding, and potentially even reconciliation.
Psalm 55:22
“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.”
In the midst of harassment, this verse reminds us of the importance of casting our cares and burdens upon the Lord. When we surrender our anxieties and struggles to Him, He promises to sustain us and keep us firm.
Harassment can leave us feeling shaken and overwhelmed, but through prayer and trust in God’s faithfulness, we can find stability and peace. He is our refuge and source of strength in times of trouble.