We understand your frustration with this difficult coworker, and we want to lift this situation up in prayer while also encouraging you to respond in a way that honors God. The Bible reminds us in Colossians 3:12-14, *"Put on therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, a heart of compassion, kindness, lowliness, humility, and perseverance; bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, if any man has a complaint against any; even as Christ forgave you, so you also do. Above all these things, walk in love, which is the bond of perfection."* While her behavior is wrong, we are called to respond with grace, even as we seek justice and boundaries.
However, this does not mean you must tolerate unprofessional or disrespectful treatment. Proverbs 22:10 says, *"Drive out the mocker, and strife will go out; yes, quarrels and insults will stop."* If her behavior is disrupting your work and creating a hostile environment, it is appropriate to address it—first with her privately (if safe and possible), and then through proper channels if needed. Matthew 18:15-17 outlines the biblical principle of addressing conflict: *"If your brother sins against you, go, show him his fault between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained back your brother. But if he doesn’t listen, take one or two more with you... If he refuses to listen to them, tell it to the assembly."*
We also encourage you to examine your own heart in this situation. Ephesians 4:31-32 says, *"Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, outcry, and slander be put away from you, with all malice. And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving each other, just as God also in Christ forgave you."* While her actions are unjust, harboring resentment will only harm you spiritually. Pray for her—that God would soften her heart and convict her of her behavior. Remember, vengeance belongs to the Lord (Romans 12:19), and He calls us to overcome evil with good (Romans 12:21).
Let us pray together for you and this situation:
Heavenly Father, we lift up our sister before You, asking for Your wisdom and peace to fill her heart as she navigates this challenging workplace dynamic. Lord, You see the injustice and the disrespect she faces, and we ask that You would intervene. Soften the heart of this coworker, Lord—convict her of her rude and judgmental behavior, and help her to see the error of her ways. Give our sister the strength to respond with grace and professionalism, even as she sets necessary boundaries. If this situation requires further action, guide her to the right words and the right authorities to address it biblically.
Father, we also ask that You would guard our sister’s heart against bitterness. Help her to release this burden to You, trusting that You will vindicate her in Your perfect timing. Fill her with Your peace, which surpasses all understanding, and remind her that her worth and identity are found in You alone, not in the opinions or treatment of others.
We pray for unity and respect in this workplace, but if this coworker continues in her unprofessional conduct, we ask that You would remove her influence from our sister’s domain. Protect her class, her students, and her reputation, Lord. Give her favor with those in authority, that they may see the truth and act justly.
Finally, Father, we ask that You would use this trial to refine our sister, drawing her closer to You. May she reflect Your love and patience, even in difficulty, and may her response bring glory to Your name. We ask all these things in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.