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I want to present some job situations that are touchy and difficult, and ask the question: Can this job be saved? If you’re a Christ-follower, then God has you there for some good purpose. When I ask the question—Can this job be saved?—what I’m really asking is, “What is the course of action a Christian should take in order to resolve the issue or make things better?” Here’s situation number one.
You work with a person who knows you are a Christian. And it seems this person makes a point of trying to offend you with foul language and crude jokes. Just today this person told a crude joke in your presence, and when you didn’t laugh, they said sarcastically, “I guess you don’t get it, huh? She doesn’t get this kind of humor.” You were so angry you almost cried. But somehow you bit your tongue, gave him or her a look, and didn’t say anything.
What should you do now? Should you get tough and demand they stop it or just keep taking it?
First, what biblical principles apply in such a situation? Here are two that come to mind:
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone (Romans 12:18).
Therefore render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s (Matthew 22:21).
Can this job be saved? Sometimes Jesus puts people into our lives who are not comfortable for us and who do offend us, but they’re watching how we respond. Anyone who purposely focuses on trying to offend you is more than likely fighting a battle inside, often under conviction, and releasing their inner struggle in unhealthy ways. The question is how can you live at peace with this person never taking a stand against the offense?
First, don’t see this person as the enemy; look at him or her through God’s eyes. Something’s going on in his or her heart that causes him or her to lash out at you. It would not be wrong to have a private conversation with this person, asking what can be done to relieve the tension between you, but do so without pointing fingers of accusation. Never be ashamed of your Christian principles—you don’t have to apologize for your refusal to take part in those offensive conversations or language. But remember, this person’s real problem is not that he or she makes you uncomfortable or offends you; the real issue is this person needs Jesus desperately, and God has put you in this person’s life to be an example of Jesus to him or her.
