Workplace Bitterness

I received a response to my booklet, How to be Free from Bitterness. Here is a portion of that question.

Question:

“My problem is that there are several people that I work with that annoy me. I’m talking about vile language and music, crude jokes, put-downs to other co-workers and laziness that no one can, or will, do anything about. I have made my objections known in a kind way and continually try to give it up to the Lord, but I still struggle. Could you speak to workplace bitterness in one of your upcoming messages?”

Answer:

If the person who is a temptation to you IS a Christian then you have a responsibility to him to correct him.

“Brothers, if someone is caught in a sin, you who are spiritual should restore him gently. But watch yourself, or you also may be tempted.” Galatians 6:1 (NIV)

If you are annoyed, you are not rejoicing. You are not spiritual and you will not do it gently. Consequently, you are not qualified to correct him even if your words are kind.

You are to restore him for his good, not because you are annoyed.

“Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen.” Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)

The following are reasons the Christian needs corrected:

“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people. Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.” Ephesians 5:3, 4 (NIV)

“And I urge you, brothers, warn those who are idle, encourage the timid, help the weak, be patient with everyone.” 1 Thessalonians 5:14 (NIV)

(Taken from Day & Night, 2001)

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