14 “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight. 17 Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. 18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:14–21 (ESV)
One issue which has not been addressed about work is conflict in the work place. Conflict, which is any kind of personality clash, struggle, fight, disagreement or argument, occurs in many different places. Conflict may occur at home, at school, at church, in a public place, but also at work. In fact, aside from when we were in school, the people we encounter most frequently on daily basis are the people at work.
There are many different reasons cited for conflict in the work place. These include poor management, unfair treatment, unclear job roles, inadequate training, poor communication, poor work environment, lack of equal opportunities, differences in work philosophy, and/or bullying and harassment. If left unresolved, workplace conflict can result in low morale, lack of work production, and in some examples, workplace violence.
How is the Christian to handle conflict at work? The answer is to manage conflict the same way you would in any social situation including one’s home, school, church, or other places. Romans 12:14-21 provides believers in Christ with a practical guide to conducting ourselves in a God glorifying manner “when” encountering conflict. Please notice the emphasis on the word “when.” The issue is not “if” conflict will occur, but only a question of “when.”
We are going to examine Romans 12:14-21 this week as it relates to the workplace. Hopefully, and prayerfully, all of us will derive practical benefit from what God has to say about the believer’s conduct when encountering conflict, especially at work.
Have a blessed day in the Lord.
Soli deo Gloria!
His Word Today 