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Even when you stand up for the right thing in the right way, there may still never be a right time for those who do not want to hear what you have to say. When someone speaks up, someone else is challenged to change their viewpoint or behavior. That can be difficult. The question is will you still speak - with respect - even if there will be negative consequences for you?

Every day you go to school and the least popular person in the school is constantly picked on. You know this is wrong but you’re afraid to speak up. Finally one day you decide to:

a. confront those picking on your fellow student.
b. keep on walking by because you don’t need to be picked on, too.
c. meet with a school counselors to alert them of the situation.
d. offer friendship to the one being picked on while trying to maintain the other friendships you have.

Analysis

a. There may be times you need to do this. Because it is a difficult situation you may want to get help first. Knowing what to say without creating more conflict can be difficult under stress. Praise God for your courage.

b. That keeps you safe, but the silence can be seen as consent or just not caring. Neither is true, or you wouldn’t be grappling with this issue. You will remain conflicted until you act like the good Samaritan you are called to be.

c. This is a wise choice. There may be issues that are involved that you do not know about and are confidential. But, they need to know what you have seen. Action can be taken at less risk to yourself but are you finished?

d. No one needs a friend more then the friendless. If this is the most unpopular student in your school then offer your friendship. Do your best to remain friends with others. Be prepared for some negative reaction. Jesus said that if they persecuted Him, they would persecute His followers, too. (John ) When you reach out to the friendless, you are His follower. For this you may suffer persecution but, “Blessed are those persecuted for holiness sake; the reign of God is theirs.”

I do remember once being in this position in high school. After being silent too long, I did stand up for the student being picked on. The persecutors backed down. The interesting thing is the one I stood up for originally starting picking on me because he didn’t trust the offer of friendship. Eventually we did build some trust. After high school, I did see him a few times and there was an instant comfort in talking to each other. The same was true for one of the students who picked on him. God did a wonderful thing, but please know that sometimes there is a price to pay. Seek help first. Don’t judge. Offer friendship and let the Word of God, prayer and the help of others give you guidance. Peace!

Love in Jesus,
Pat Rinker

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