Dealing With Difficult Co-workers

Dear reader,

I am so glad to be writing to you today.

How did you spend the 14th? Do tell me in the comments ☺️

Have you ever had a colleague that always gets on your last nerve? Or does not like you for any reason? You’ve tried to be friends with them but it doesn’t work out and they’re not easy to get along with.

If you have, you’re not alone. You’re the reason I am writing this article.

So, keep reading.

We’ve all had that one colleague that is difficult. Imagine dreading going to work or having an unpleasant day because of a colleague. Sigh.

The truth is as Christians, we are not exempt from difficult relationships or people.

The Bible tells us that our response to difficult people should model the examples set by Jesus.

In all His interactions, Jesus never displayed a dismissive or arrogant attitude. Rather, He was compassionate and taught us to love all men regardless.

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus was specific about dealing with people with love and humility. He said;

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who hurt you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Give to anyone who asks; and when things are taken away from you, don’t try to get them back. Do to others as you would like them to do to you.” — Luke 6:27–31.

Jesus tells us exactly how to love difficult people. We ought to pray for and do good to them.

The Bible also tells us not to give tit for tat;

“Don’t repay evil for evil. Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you. Instead, pay them back with a blessing. That is what God has called you to do, and He will grant you His blessing.” — 1 Peter 3:9.

God loves us with such incredible love. He wants us to experience this love and show it to others too. The call to love and help other people runs throughout the Bible. We are to love our neighbors, foreigners, difficult people, and even our enemies.

It can be difficult, it will be difficult. But, it will remind us of God’s love for us. A reckless, complete, and selfless love.

“This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s love for one’s friends” — John 15:12–13.

Dealing with difficult people is unavoidable. And sometimes, when we deal with difficult people, it’s easy to respond in the flesh.

The Bible encourages us to deal with difficult people with the help of His Spirit in us (Galatians 5:22–23).

I hope and pray that we learn to show others the same kindness, mercy, and love that God shows us.

Tell me if you learned a thing or two from this.

Till I write to you again,

All my love,

Oluwabukola💛