Scripture Reading: Acts 6:1-5, 11:2-18

Some workplace conflict stems from different points of view about how to handle a matter or decision. This can actually be a good thing if it causes us to see things from a new perspective. None of us has perfect knowledge, unlimited wisdom and totally pure motives. So we benefit from coming up against people who see things differently, if we are willing to work creatively together to resolve our differences. We have a few examples of this type of conflict in today’s verses, from the book of Acts.

A helpful pattern emerges from the book of Acts that is useful for work conflicts:

1. Listen Carefully: Listen carefully to the concerns and perspectives of your co-workers. Who are the stakeholders that will be affected by your decisions? How can you best serve all parties?

2. Assess Honestly: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of various courses of action and concerns. They have to be acknowledged to be addressed.

3. Discard Prejudices: Be willing to change old attitudes and prejudices in light of new information.

4. Think Creatively: Create a new solution together.

Prayer: Jesus, you say in your word that if we lack wisdom, especially in the midst of our trials, we can ask you, and you will give generously. I ask for the patience and humility necessary to truly listen and submit to you. I pray for the wisdom to come to a solution. Amen.

Author: Theology of Work Project

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Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.