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How do I deal with difficult co-workers?

The first thing to do is to ask God for His game plan! Remember when David was twice attacked by the Philistines, he sought God and received a different strategy for each attack. So, make sure you ask the “Master of Breakthroughs” to give you His strategy.

Here are some of the things that may be part of that strategy:

  • Pray for them. And I’m not talking about praying down God’s judgement on them. Ask God to show you the plans that He has for them and pray them out prophetically. (And remember not to undo your prayers by complaining to everyone you meet about your co-worker).

  • Sow a seed of kindness. Find another co-worker (ie. not the one that is giving you a hard time) and be a really good co-worker to them.

  • Bless them. Find a way of being a blessing to your difficult co-worker. And be aware, God may even instruct you to do this anonymously.

  • Forgive them. If necessary, make sure you have cleared your heart from any offence. An attitude of bitterness will undermine anything God is working in the situation.

  • Work through the conflict. It is not always possible to resolve conflict (it takes two to do the “resolution dance” Rom 12:18) but wherever possible take steps to put things right. It is good to involve others where appropriate. This may mean a supervisor at work, or a friend in your Life Group who is providing you with support and encouragement.

And remember, God has placed you in your workplace to be an influence for His goodness. Let God work His favour wherever you are.