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Bullying and Bullies In The Church
(10/17/22)
Article by Joni Ames
“Do to others whatever you would like them to do to you. This is the essence of all that is taught in the law and the prophets.” (Matthew 7:12-23)
Dear Friends,
We hear a lot about bullies in schools and tough neighborhoods. But most would never think that it exists in church. However, sad to say, it does.
Shockingly, it does not just exist amongst children.
Even in the Bible, two grown brothers named Cain and Abel battled that demonic monster.
I have always been someone that reached out to other people and tried to make them feel welcomed, loved, and included. Even when I began to have my own ministry, I tried to help raise up others. I felt in my spirit that the Lord said that every door He opened for me, I was to hold open for others. So I did.
It shocked me that God gave me so many open doors. But those early days were also at times difficult. You would think your friends would be happy when good things happen for you. But I was in for a big surprise. I never would have thought that some would become a jealous bully. Especially other women friends in the church.
When I started out, it seemed like all hell broke loose in my life. My son left home and began to get in trouble, my car died, I had one financial situation after another, and some of my closest friends berated, bullied, and betrayed me. Even a few ministry leaders were a part of that wolf pack.
I was all alone in the world, so my church family was the only family I had. So to be treated badly by anyone in the church was devastating to me. A couple of people even told me that they were treating me badly to help to make me strong. How insane! My abusive mother had told me the same thing. If it hadn’t been for the Lord, I would not have made it through that season alive.
But God is so faithful! He also gave me some true friends. He opened some amazing doors. And He also gave me an inexplicable inner joy and peace that caused me to ignore the bullies and continue to press forward, no matter what happened. I’ll never forget what He told me. “If you let anything start stopping you, it will never stop stopping you. So don’t let it start.”
I was heading up the women’s ministry at my church, and it was flourishing in spite of all the other things that were going on. Two church women went to my pastor and told him lies about it and me, and had it taken out from under me and given to them. They had never even been to one of my meetings.
As I was feeling sorry for myself, the Lord came to me. He told me, “What they are doing will not flourish, but let it go. It’s one small church ministry. I will give to you the nation.” He reminded me of the saying, “If you let go of what’s in your hand, I’ll give you what’s in mine.”
Within short time, I was traveling everywhere and taking women’s ministry teams with me. And very soon, I began to hold large conferences for women in the city of Charlotte, North Carolina, where 1600 to 1800 women would come from all over the nation and the world. We couldn’t stop women from registering! Consequently, we had to move to Charlotte‘s largest conference venue.
Oh yes, and what God said happened. The reign of those two women over that small church women’s ministry group folded quickly.
When God says to do to others what you want done to you, you better be careful. He takes you up on that. What you dish out will come back to bite you. The world calls it Karma. It’s actually God’s justice.
I don’t rejoice in anyone’s misfortune. But (Prophet) Bob Jones once told me that people don’t usually repent until they receive the fruit of the injustices they do to others. And of course, it’s God’s heart that they do eventually come to that point.
One time I was to speak at a very large conference in the Charlotte area. When I walked through the front doors of the venue, the Lord said to me that He was going to set a table for me in the midst of my enemies that weekend. (Ref. Psalm 23:5)
I didn’t know what that meant, and I didn’t know who my enemies were. So I just said “Thank you, Lord. I forgive whoever they are.” Then I went on about my business.
Favor upon favor occurred for me during that conference. Then to top it off, I was invited to a non-related very special dinner at the other end of the conference center. Not only that, but I was invited to be at the head table.
I was very nervous and felt out of place, but sat where I was told.
When it was time to get up to go to the buffet table for our food, the leader had me go first.
As we walked past the other tables to get to the food on the buffet table, we passed table after table full of people that I knew. Seated at some of those tables were several who had severely betrayed me. I was shocked. God had truly set a table before me in the midst of my enemies.
I had a hard time not weeping. The Lord reminded me of the scripture to not sit in the seat of the scornful. I said in my spirit to the Lord, “I truly did and do forgive them. Please just don’t ever let me treat anybody the way that they treated me.“
Why am I telling you all of this? Because I want to encourage you that if you have been bullied and gone through similar circumstances, God has for you similar victory.
One time I tried to think of a way I could get back at somebody. God stopped me and said, “So you want to handle this instead of me? If you try to get your own justice, I won’t do anything about this. Plus that you will put yourself in the same boat they are in.”
This year on the Jewish calendar is the Year of God’s Retribution, Paybacks, Justice, and Revenge. Don’t try to get your own. His justice is sweet. It may even include the salvation of that person who wronged you. So as they say, “Let go and let God.”
“Vengeance is Mine, and recompense; Their foot shall slip in due time For the day of their calamity is at hand, And the things to come hasten upon them.” (Deuteronomy 32:35)
(17) “Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all men. (18) If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men. (19) Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, “Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,” says the Lord.”(Romans 12:17-19)
When God exacts His vengeance upon our enemies and His justice prevails, that means that our blessings are retrieved from the enemy and restored to us. Seven fold. (Proverbs 6:31) So let’s stay out of God’s way and let Him work on our behalf.
I have many other such stories about experiences I have had. But having been bullied at times in my life, I have a heart for others who have experienced the same. It’s been my heart and life’s goal to help heal and restore such people. Especially those who have been hurt by family, friends, or the church.
If you have been bullied, I pray for your healing and restoration.
God is no respecter of persons. What He did for me, He will do for you.
May we all be victors, and not victims.
The best IS yet to come!!!
Love and Blessings,
Joni Ames
(10/17/22)
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Joni Ames has been in itinerant prophetic ministry over 25 years, traveling and encouraging the Body of Christ. She does so totally by faith. If you would like to send a non tax deductible love gift to her, this is how:
Cash App: $joniames
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Joni Ames
375 Star Light Drive
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Fort Mill, SC 29715
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www.joniames.net
Email:
joniames@aol.com
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