I have little patience for bullying.

Bullying is divisive and promotes anger, which, over time, leads to uncontrolled aggressive behaviors by those who are belittled. In some cases, bullying pushes good people away from an organization, an act that can have a devastating impact on morale and the health of that enterprise.

Technology has helped democratize our thoughts and opinions, but often at the price of allowing people to share their bullying and hateful ideas freely.

Let me make this real for you.

On Facebook alone, there are hundreds of thousands of posts that endorse or display bullying behavior. It’s not uncommon to see screenshots of people being beaten or ridiculed, along with hateful and abusive language. Modern social media sometimes resembles the Wild West or even the law of the jungle, chaotic, ruthless, and without empathy.

“Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” — Romans 12:21

I have seen a lot of bullying online, and it is toxic. Please stop. Let’s choose to get along, shall we?

Bullying is real, alive, and well. Technology has empowered millions to display and share acts of hate toward others. This reality may sound unbelievable, but it happens every day across social media platforms.

Yes, technology allows us to communicate with family and friends, but it also gives people the ability to hurl bullying remarks at innocent individuals across cyberspace.

Children and teens are dying because of cyberbullying. Many have taken their own lives after being humiliated or attacked online.

“The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” — Proverbs 18:21

We need to intervene now. Just because we don’t see each other face-to-face on Instagram or Facebook doesn’t mean we can freely compose and share messages that wound others.

Never forget: there is a real person behind every screen, someone with emotions, fears, and dreams.

“Let no corrupt communication proceed out of your mouth, but only what is helpful for building others up.” — Ephesians 4:29

Technology is a tool. It can be used for good or for evil. While much good is done online, the amount of bullying I’ve seen on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram borders on illegality.

Why aren’t we doing more to stop it?

Some argue that “free speech” protects them, but freedom of speech does not mean freedom from consequences. Hate speech and harassment can still be crimes.

“Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar.” — 1 John 4:20

Using bullying against others will eventually backfire, if not legally, then morally and spiritually.

We live in a digital age where technology shapes how we live and communicate. Yet, we see bullying everywhere. It’s time to take a stand.

A nation united cannot be divided. A united people cannot be defeated. There is no room for bullying online or anywhere else.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” — Matthew 5:9

The next time you see someone being belittled or harassed online, say something.

You don’t have to be a scholar or scientist to treat people with kindness and respect. You just need to be reasonable and compassionate, it’s not that hard.

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” — Luke 6:31

In the end, we’re all in the same boat, trying to make it through life. None of us have it easy. Bullying only makes things worse.

Technology may have given us the tools to communicate across borders, but it has also amplified the voices of those who use their words to harm. Let us choose a better way.

Say no to bullying online. Say yes to empathy, kindness, and peace.

“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32