God-gifts for Wounded Spirits

I just finished reading The Wounded Spirit by Frank Peretti.

It started out just feeling like the sad story of a young boy bullied in a public school. But then it went much deeper. Because haven't we all experienced bullying in some form? Worse, most of us have also been a bully in some form.

The part that most affected me was the part where Peretti emphasises that all the gifts we have been given have a purpose. Self usurps God's design. Strength turns into self worship, bullying, vanity. Intelligence becomes condescension, arrogance. Riches are hoarded, precious resources hidden away. We build bigger barns, pump more iron, read more books...

It is all wasted.

We are given much not to squander it all on ourselves, but to give to others. The strong are not to misuse their strength by hurting, but should protect the weak. Those who are given wisdom and intelligence are to use it not to berate others, but to help. To equip. Riches are resources and are meant to be shared, not hoarded. We should live simply so others can simply live.

It is not enough to not bully. We must be willing to stand up for what is right.

Even when it costs.

I wish I could protect my children from the wounds the world would inflict. But even that is not enough. I must teach them to use their God-given gifts and talents to bless others, and not to use them to belittle anyone else. Even each other.

Bullying must stop here first.

Sibling rivalry is no longer acceptable.

Because our God-gifts should make us look more like God.

And I want to see us all reflect His image to this world full of wounded spirits.