You work a 9 to 5 job. You spend more than half of your week at work than at home. And when you do, you have to deal with your rude and offensive boss five days a week. There are days when you just want to leave your job, but then you have a family to feed. There are days when you want to fight back, but then again, that might cost you your job. So, how can you deal with this situation? Or more importantly, what does God tell you to do if faced with this problem?
Ask God for Wisdom
You who are slaves must submit to your masters with all respect. Do what they tell you—not only if they are kind and reasonable, but even if they are cruel. For God is pleased when, conscious of his will, you patiently endure unjust treatment. – 1 Peter 2:18-19
We all don't always understand everything that's happening, but God does. If you want to keep your job and work better with your boss, then you must know how to handle him. What you can do is pray to God and ask for wisdom on how to better handle such situations. Even if your boss continues to be rude, continue praying for wisdom as well.
Be Gentle
It is safer to meet a bear robbed of her cubs than to confront a fool caught in foolishness. – Proverbs 17:12
It may feel like you're going to just explode with anger every time you hold your tongue. But remember, you must handle your boss in a way that glorifies God. Shouting back and getting loud is certainly not the way. God wants you to be always gentle, so handle your boss with gentleness. It can be really hard to do, but as long as you know that this is what God wants, it should be easier.
Turn Away from Anger
Stop being angry! Turn from your rage! Do not lose your temper—it only leads to harm. For the wicked will be destroyed, but those who trust in the Lord will possess the land. – Psalm 37:8-9
Dealing with hard bosses might just be a life lesson you'll never forget. This situation will teach you about patience in dealing with harsh individuals. It will also test your patience and how far you can push yourself to not retaliate and reply with anger. If you think about it, maybe God is training you for when you meet more rude people in the future.
Revenge is God's alone
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."Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good. - Romans 12:17-21
Seeking revenge against someone who has hurt you and offended you is a natural human instinct to defend one's self. However, you must always remember that revenge is only God's. It is not our jobs as Christians to avenge, but it is our job to cling to peace at all times. In short, God wants you to practice self-control, however hard the situation is.
It's not uncommon to work with a boss you don't get along with, let alone a boss who won't mince his words. Nonetheless, it is a reality that there are people in this world who might be too tough and hard. Let that be. Instead of getting back or fighting back, pray for them. God didn't give you this situation to find ways to defend yourself. Rather, he wants you to develop patience, exercise self-control, and always show gentleness and kindness no matter how rude an individual gets.
