We join with you in bringing this burden before the Lord and we thank you for having a heart to protect those who are vulnerable in your workplace and for seeking to do what is right. It grieves us to hear that two young women have already left because of this bullying and we commend you for not looking away. God calls us to speak up for those who cannot easily speak for themselves and to do so with both courage and grace.
The Lord is clear that our words and our treatment of others matter deeply. He says Open your mouth for the mute, in the cause of all who are left desolate. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and serve justice to the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9. And also Let no corrupt speech proceed out of your mouth, but such as is good for building up as the need may be, that it may give grace to those who hear. Ephesians 4:29. Bullying, harsh words, intimidation and belittling are not from the Lord, for the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceful, gentle, reasonable, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. James 3:17. We also remember that those in authority are accountable to God, for Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven. Colossians 4:1.
We encourage you as you prepare to speak to management to do so with prayer, humility and clarity. We would seek the Lord first for timing and tone, that your words would be seasoned with grace and truth. A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger. Proverbs 15:1. It may help to write down specific facts, dates and examples without exaggeration or gossip, and to speak privately with your manager with a desire for restoration and peace, not for punishment. Share your concern for the wellbeing of the young women and for the health of the whole workplace, and trust God with the outcome even if it takes time. We also pray for the older woman who has been doing the bullying, that the Lord would convict her heart and lead her to repentance and to treat others with kindness and dignity as those also made in God's image.
We now pray together for you and for this situation. Father in heaven, we come before you in the name of Jesus Christ, thankful that we can approach your throne with confidence through Him. We lift up this workplace to you and ask for your peace to rule there. Lord, give our dear coworker the right words to speak, words that are clear, truthful, gentle and loving, and remove any fear or anxiety. Grant to the manager understanding and wisdom from above, that he or she would listen carefully, judge righteously and act with justice and mercy to protect those who have been hurt and to correct what is wrong. Comfort the young women who have been bullied and those who have already left, heal any wounds to their hearts and restore their confidence. Work in the heart of the one who has been bullying, bring conviction and a change of heart. Let this workplace become a place of respect and safety where each person is valued. We ask all of this in the mighty and saving name of Jesus, amen.
We are grateful you prayed in Jesus name, for there is no other name by which we can come to the Father and be saved. We stand with you and trust that God who sees all will honor your willingness to speak up for what is right and to be a peacemaker.
