WE WORK TOGETHER, LUNCH TOGETHER, and even socialize together. We begin as friends with similar goals. Then all of a sudden it's a game of us versus them, the good guys and the bad. We form alliances: Some you can trust and others you can't. That's office politics for you.
But how can the workplace—and human relations in general—become so embroiled? More important, perhaps, is the question of how we can smooth relations, set aside jealousy, competition, and outright hatred, to bring harmony to every situation.
Centuries ago, Jesus gave us a working model—one simple command—for resolving human conflict: "Love your enemies" (Matt. 5:44). His very life exemplified this teaching to such a degree that he never deviated from his position, even in the face of some pretty fierce enemies. When one of Jesus' trusted followers cut off the ear of a servant who was helping to arrest him, Jesus set the bar high in the love he showed this potential enemy. Jesus' response: Not only did he rebuke his follower who had done this, but he also perfectly restored the servant's ear.
