Bully

This week the theme is Bully.  The goal is to teach our kids that it is wrong to bully other people.  In Genesis 1:27 it says that humanity is created in God's image.  When we intentionally harm another person, you are harming someone who is a little bit like God.  Jesus expands on this in Matthew 25:31-46.  He says that whatever we do to the least of these (meaning the people who are for whatever reason disadvantaged) you do to me. 
Something I have realized growing up in the church is that sometimes good Christian people bully others without realizing it.  We are quick to teach our kids that using certain "four letter words" is inappropriate, but sometimes our kids hear us throwing out insults like "that's gay" or "you're retarded."  Sadly, while this language is usually done with no ill meaning, it can be highly offensive to people.  In some cases, it can even keep people from receiving the good news of Jesus.  They may look at us and think that part of the good news is making fun of people that are not like you.  I say this not as someone who feels they are better than everyone else with my politically correct language, but as someone who has helped cause deep hurt to others by thoughtlessly using these insults and others like them. 

John 13:34-35

Common English Bible (CEB)

 ³⁴ “I give you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, so you also must love each other. ³⁵ This is how everyone will know that you are my disciples, when you love each other.”

It's hard for people to see your love when they are offended by what comes out of your mouth.