Reflection from Rev Hilary KempJeremiah 20.10-13 10 I hear many whispering, “Terror on every side! Denounce him! Let’s denounce him!” All my friends are waiting for me to slip, saying, “Perhaps he will be deceived; then we will prevail over him and take our revenge on him.”11 But the Lord is with me like a mighty warrior; so my persecutors will stumble and not prevail. They will fail and be thoroughly disgraced; their dishonour will never be forgotten. 12 Lord Almighty, you who examine the righteous and probe the heart and mind, let me see your vengeance on them, for to you I have committed my cause.13 Sing to the Lord! Give praise to the Lord! He rescues the life of the needy from the hands of the wicked. (NIV)Reflection Jeremiah 20:10–13 captures a deeply human experience: feeling surrounded by hostility, whispers, and betrayal. Jeremiah describes hearing “many whispering,” people watching for his downfall, even friends waiting for him to slip. This passage resonates strongly with the experience of bullying, where individuals can feel isolated, targeted, and constantly under scrutiny. The emotional weight of such treatment - fear, anxiety, and loneliness - is clearly reflected in Jeremiah’s words.Bullying often thrives in silence and complicity. In the passage, the voices against Jeremiah seem numerous and persistent, creating a sense that opposition is overwhelming. This mirrors how bullying can feel all-encompassing to the victim, even when it may involve only a few individuals, or even just one other person. The silence of others can increase the sense that “everyone is against me” and can be one of the most damaging effects. Jeremiah’s honesty about his fear reminds us that acknowledging the pain caused by bullying is not weakness; it is an important step toward confronting it.However, the passage does not end in despair. Jeremiah declares trust in the Lord, describing God as a “mighty warrior” who stands with him. This shift is powerful. It suggests that even when human support systems fail, there is a deeper source of strength and justice. In the context of bullying, this can be understood as the courage to stand firm in one’s dignity and worth, even when others attempt to tear it down.Calling out bullying requires this kind of courage. It means refusing to accept harmful behaviour as normal or deserved. Like Jeremiah, who continues to speak truth despite opposition, we are all called to challenge bullying when we see it - whether we are victims or bystanders. This might involve reporting the behaviour, supporting those targeted, or directly addressing harmful actions in a safe and constructive way.Importantly, Jeremiah’s words also remind us that justice matters. Bullying is not just a personal issue; it is a moral one. Allowing it to continue unchecked enables harm and reinforces injustice. Speaking out, then, is not only an act of self-defence but also an act of solidarity and integrity. I pray that we can ensure our churches are free from any kind of bullying behaviour by being brave enough to call it out if we see it and standing by those who do so.In conclusion, this passage offers both empathy and encouragement. It acknowledges the pain of being targeted while also pointing toward resilience and trust. In the face of bullying, it challenges us not to remain silent but to stand up for truth and for one another, trusting that doing so is both right and necessary.The Collect Most merciful God, who by the death and resurrection of your Son Jesus Christ delivered and saved the world: grant that by faith in him who suffered on the cross we may triumph in the power of his victory; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord, who is alive and reigns with you, in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Common Worship: Collects and Post Communions, material from which is included here, is copyright © The Archbishops' Council 2000
Lent Wise Course by Paula GooderFive Weeks titled Compass, Nourishment, Light, Shelter and Water.
Wednesday December 10th to Saturday January 3rdDuring Services and when coffee@maggies is open
