I’m Not Your Enemy… So Why Are You Acting Like Mine? (Faith at Work, the Real Version)
- Martha Her
- Jan 20
- 2 min read
Some people at work don’t like you.That’s life. That’s adulthood. That’s… fine.
What I was not prepared for, though, is the coworker who acts like you’re besties—smiling, charming, friendly—while quietly trying to get you in trouble behind the scenes.
That kind of “kindness” doesn’t feel kind. It feels like a trap.
And it messes with your head.
Because instead of focusing on doing your job well, you start living in watch-your-back mode. You double-check everything. You overthink every word. You feel like one small mistake could become someone else’s big opportunity. It’s stressful, confusing, and honestly… a little scary.
The Faith Dilemma
Here’s the part that made me pause: I’m trying to live my faith for real, not just talk about it. So I had to ask myself:
What does God want me to do when someone treats me like the enemy… even though I’m not?
Because my human side wants to do all the wrong things:
complain until I feel validated
rehearse speeches in my head
“accidentally” match their energy
and let’s be honest… plot a tiny bit of revenge 😅
But Scripture doesn’t give us permission to fight dirty. It gives us something harder: a clean heart and a wise plan.
Forgiveness without Being Naïve
One verse that keeps grounding me is:
“Be wise as serpents and innocent as doves.” (Matthew 10:16)
That sentence is basically the Christian survival guide for messy situations.
It reminds me I can:
be kind, without being gullible
forgive, without handing someone access to harm me again
stay peaceful, without pretending everything is fine
Because forgiveness and trust are not the same thing.
Forgiveness is a decision.Trust is earned.
And another truth I needed is this: not taking revenge doesn’t mean taking abuse. Romans 12 calls us not to repay evil for evil and not to avenge ourselves (Romans 12:17–21)… but it doesn’t say we have to ignore reality, stay silent, or be reckless.
What I’m doing (a simple, practical plan)
In the video, I share what a “Catholic response” can look like in a workplace situation like this—without turning into a doormat:
Pray first (before emotions take the wheel).
Stay professional and factual (no emotional emails, no dramatic speeches).
Document for clarity (dates, facts, what happened—not to be petty, but to protect truth).
Address concerns the right way (Matthew 18 gives a wise process: speak directly if appropriate; involve leadership if it continues).
Forgive daily—not because they deserve it, but because bitterness will drain your peace faster than the situation itself.
A short prayer for the “fake nice” coworker situation
Lord, You see what’s hidden. Give me wisdom, self-control, and calm courage. Keep my hands clean from revenge and my heart clean from bitterness. Protect my work, my reputation, and my peace.Teach me to forgive… and to be wise.Amen.
If you’re navigating workplace tension right now, I hope this reminds you that you’re not crazy—and you’re not alone. You can live your faith in a way that’s both holy and wise.
🎥 Watch the video: “Getting Back at that Resentful Co-worker?”
(And if you want, leave a comment on the video with the word “peace”—I’ll say a prayer for you this week.)
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