Hope for Police OfficersНамуна

The Co-Workers

Everyone knows about the brotherhood among officers. Cops stick up for each other and this courtesy extends beyond city and state lines, even overseas.

Your brothers and sisters in blue have your back. But that doesn’t always mean you get along with everyone. Things are said to each other that aren’t always kind or politically correct. Some of your co-workers can be critical jerks, some are lazy, others seem to continually place their fellow officers in danger. In these days of civil unrest and prejudice against cops, it’s hard to stand behind those who keep making bad choices.

But we can’t expect perfection from everyone. We all make mistakes. So, placing others’ needs before your own as God’s Word instructs, is not only humbling—it’s hard. Especially when your colleague has offended you or made your occupation look bad.

The Golden Rule of Matthew 7:12 is a wonderful guideline when you’re mistreated or misjudged by other officers. Jesus instructs us to treat others like we desire to be treated.

The first chapter of James tells us to ask for wisdom, and it will be given. Often wisdom shows itself best when we keep our lips closed. Ephesians 4:29 instructs us to respond with words of grace. Swallowing our pride and turning the other cheek is part of God’s plan for you during times of conflict. That’s hard amid criticism, but doable with the Holy Spirit’s help.

The Lord is faithful to instill you with hope. Ask him to help you respond in grace this week, when dealing with difficult personalities.