Causes of Conflict in the WorkplaceSample

Causes of Conflict in the Workplace – Part IV

In this Bible reading plan, we’re discussing some of the causes of conflict in today’s workplace and asking ourselves if any of them might be a reflection on us. The causes we have considered so far are anger, greed, and deceit. Another cause is hatred.

Years ago, at a Graduate School of Banking event, a comedian asked everyone to stand. He then asked us to look to the person to our right. Then he asked everyone to look to the person to their left.

He then told us, “Statistically, one of these people hates you, and they may not even know you.” His point was that sometimes people dislike us for reasons we’ll never understand. This can make for a stressful workplace.

Proverbs 10:12 has a recommendation when it says, "Hatred stirs up conflict, but love covers over all wrongs."

If you dislike someone in your workplace for whatever reasons, your hope lies in praying for and loving them instead.

Questions for Reflection:  

• Have you ever disliked another in your workplace without having a good reason? Why do you think this may have been?   
• What happens to us when we pray for another whom we do not particularly care for?    
• Have you ever been the recipient of someone's hatred? What was your response? According to Proverbs 10:12, what should your response be?