Irritated. 

I didn’t even have a chance to read the email, but I already knew I was frustrated—not because of what it would say, but because of who sent it. I had been struggling to connect with this person, and it seemed we would never click. And it was only August—we had a full school year ahead of us.

How was I going to handle my frustrations with a coworker when I couldn’t seem to find any common ground or reasons to repair the damage that had already been done?

Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. 1 John 3:18, NIV

When we find ourselves in difficult relationships at work, particularly with someone we see every day, it can feel overwhelming. The natural response might be to withdraw, avoid, or even harbor resentment. However, as Christians, we are called to a higher standard—one that seeks restoration over division.

How do you release feelings of hurt and mistrust to restore a relationship with someone you work with?

1. Acknowledge Your Feelings: It’s important to recognize and validate your emotions. Acknowledge that you’re frustrated or hurt, but don’t let those feelings control your actions. Take a moment to pray and ask God to help you see the situation through His eyes.
2. Seek Understanding: Try to understand the other person’s perspective. What might be driving their behavior? Could external pressures or past experiences be influencing their actions? Empathy can be a powerful tool in breaking down barriers and building bridges.
3. Take Action with Love: Instead of responding with irritation or avoidance, choose to act in love. This might mean initiating a conversation, offering a helping hand, or simply being patient. Love isn’t just a feeling—it’s a choice to act in the best interest of others, even when it’s difficult.
4. Pray for Restoration: Pray for the relationship and your coworker. Ask God to soften your heart and theirs and guide you both toward reconciliation. Trust that He can work in ways that you cannot, bringing healing and understanding where it’s needed most.
5. Commit to Truth: Be honest with yourself and with the other person. If there’s an opportunity for an open and respectful conversation, take it. Share your feelings, but do so with the intention of finding a solution, not just airing grievances. Let your actions reflect a commitment to truth and love.

Restoring a relationship requires effort, patience, and sometimes stepping out of your comfort zone. But by releasing your frustrations and choosing to act in love and truth, you open the door for God to work in the situation. 

In my case, after intentional prayer, journaling, and processing my doubts with a trusted Christian friend, I began to see the situation in a different light. My vision, once blurred by mistrust, started to clear, revealing a perspective I hadn’t considered before.

Remember, it’s not just about getting along for the sake of the school year. It’s about living out your faith in every interaction, showing the love of Christ not just with words, but with actions that lead to genuine restoration.

Is there a relationship in your work environment that needs restoration? This week, take the first step toward healing by committing to prayer and seeking God’s perspective of the situation. Reflect on how you can act in love, not just in words, but in tangible ways that build bridges. Whether it’s through a kind gesture, an honest conversation, or simply offering grace, choose to release your frustrations to God and allow Him to restore what has been broken.