Video Transcript

A business owner told me once, “If I didn’t have people in this organization I wouldn’t have any problems.” Conflict is inevitable in any workplace, but most workplaces become toxic due to the way conflict is handled.

When there is a conflict between two parties most people either, stand and fight, or they flee. Neither is the best approach. To make matters worse many of those who flee a difficult situation have a tendency to want to go gossip to others about the person with whom they are angry.

Jesus taught a much better model in Matthew 18. Although Jesus was giving a model for dealing with a conflict within the context of the church, His principles are appropriate for all.

When you have an issue with someone, or feel they have wronged you, rather than begin gossiping you should go to them first one on one and share your concern firmly, but with love. If after making that courageous effort, they are not receptive to listening then Jesus recommended that you take someone else with you and go to them two on one. Many times this may mean you need to find someone who has some authority or influence with this person to go with you.

Finally, if both of you are rebuffed Jesus taught to take them before the whole church and cast them out as unbelievers. In the case of the workplace I believe this means you might make a more formal appeal to their boss if that has not already been done.

There will likely be times when you do not receive the satisfaction you were seeking. In those cases you need to forgive them so that a bitter root does not surface in your own heart and try to move on.

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