I work in a very small department, where there are 2 older women and 2 younger (one being me). We have a manager, then above him, two attorneys, one who is an associate and the other who is the VP. Lately, the two older ladies have been giving me a hard time, watching what I’m doing, who I’m talking to, for how long etc… and telling my manager every little thing, even though I don’t treat them that way. It bothers me that they’re basically just gossiping. I understand that this is sometimes what happens as we get older, and realize that it’s not me personally (they’re like this with everyone who has been in this position).

I don’t see myself as a victim, because I can admit, though I’m working hard 95% of the day, I do occasionally take breaks to check the news, catch up on an email, or stuff like that. Hey, I’m human.. not perfect : ). I don’t know what they do, because I don’t worry about every little detail of their day… So, I have been praying for guidance on what to do about this situation. Do I also start to keep track of what they do so when my manager says something to me, I have something to say to defend myself? Do I just ignore it? Do I bring it up and say something? Do I stop talking to everyone? Do I quit my job (which is tempting)?

I didn’t do any of the above. So far, I have just gone about my day, hoping that if I continue to just be myself, and nice to them, and loving, they’ll realize, “man, I’ve done all this mean stuff, and this person is STILL nice to me”  and it will show them what kind of person I am and what kind of heart I have. I want God’s love to shine through me. I’m glad we’re studying Romans 12, because this verse is perfectly fitting for what I’m going through right now:

Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone.

Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. For the Scriptures say,

“I will take revenge;
I will pay them back,”*
says the LORD.

Instead,

“If your enemies are hungry, feed them.
If they are thirsty, give them something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap
burning coals of shame on their heads.”

The relationship we have with other people is literally a direct parallel to the relationship we have with God.

We say “God, I’ve done all these bad things, I’m a sinner, and yet, you STILL forgive me and bless me”. Its crazy humbling!!! And if God can forgive us, who are we to say “Oh no, I’m gonna hold a super-grudge- this person did me wrong!”. We’re nobody! If God can send his son to die for the forgiveness our sins, we can certainly find it in our hearts to forgive others.

So, anyway, I will continue to pray for my co-workers (and myself!), and hope that God works on their hearts, through me if possible .