Workplace Mistreatment - How as a Christian You Can Recognize, Understand, and Resolve These Issues Thru Scripture.

Matthew 22:39

Mistreatment in the Workplace - The Basic Understanding

Mistreatment in the workplace is a continued and growing concern despite the legal Labor laws that should be protecting employees against this practice. Too many employees who face mistreatment do not report it because either they are unaware of how to report it, or more often than not, fear the retaliation they will face in the wake of reporting it. Mistreatment can be caused by managers who abuse authority, by coworkers who create rumors, and even by HR representatives. I think we have all experienced or witnessed workplace mistreatment and felt helpless under attack or watching someone being attacked.

As employees or even employers, when we witness others being mistreated and we choose not to correct the mistreatment, we are failing another human being who is going to experience various mental health issues that could impact their physical health. How long can we keep allowing mistreatment in the workplace keep us in fear of losing our jobs, or also being mistreated? Companies who permit mistreatment, also keep everyone as intimidated as possible because we allow companies to get away with it as employees and employers. By not taking a stand against workplace mistreatment, the problem continues to grow worse. It takes just a few people to gather together, provide documented evidence and hand it over to their company HR representatives, who are to do a full investigation. Also, make sure that you know your state’s Labor Laws and contact the Labor board in your state. Do not stand by and allow yourself or others be mistreated.

Certified HR representatives are aware that mistreatment in the workplace exists, and in most cases try to prevent it, and have strict policies against it. Yet, the practice of employers causing distress to the employees or employees causing distress to other employees continues to exist. When managers want to force an employee to quit, workplace harassment is a favorable method used.

Certified HR representatives and managers know how to cross that fine line of legality. Managers will reduced the employees hours, reducing job role duties, rescheduling hours, silent treatment, micromanaging your job performance, possibly placing you on a Personal Improvement Program known as a PIP, some managers will even pile on extra work, switching an employee to another area, in order to force the employees to quit, because they do not have not legal justifications to directly fire the employee, but they legally have to create a paper trail in order to justify in the future as to why the employee may end up getting fired, if they can create a fault in work performance.

Some Reasons for the Mistreatment

More often than not there is usually a conflict in personalities that occurs that triggers the mistreatment, that then generates rumors. Either a person does not appreciate or value you because they feel threatened by your skillsets, your personality, your appearance, or because you do not believe in the same principles as they do. It could be you clashed with an idea, goal, or you shine brighter. Regardless of whether you are walking on air, and doing everything perfect, they will find a way to justify their reasons for disliking you and making sure others feel the same way as they feel, by planting seeds of doubt, and creating rumors.

Cause and Effect of Mistreatment

When an employee begins feeling targeted, or mistreated work performance and attendance issues will be effected, managers and certified HR representatives are aware of this. They know the employee will underperform, will start being mentally and eventually physically effected. When an employee starts going through the mental and physical effects of the mistreatment, they will most likely begin underperforming, as their attendance becomes possibly effected as well.

This is where Certified HR representatives and managers feel empowered, and thrive that their hard work to get you to quit is working in their favor. They are now capable of providing legal documentation to support a reason to terminate you. What HR does acknowledge is low performance issues, yet they do not get to the bottom of most of the issues. Instead, they will create guides for the manager to enforce the PIP, or will enforce the manager to provide documentation with written warnings before terminating you. As long as they provide supportive documentation that they made an effort of some type, the company cannot be sued, or so certified HR representatives and managers assume.

What HR will not legally acknowledge is role they play in the seeds of doubt with the rumors. HR is expected to protect companies, yet, they are the very people who will assist managers in finding ways to rid unwanted employees knowing it can and does cause mental and physical health issues to the employee they are targeting.

Certified HR reps are trained and they are always looking for creative methods to get rid of unwanted employees. Certified HR representatives are trained to get as much information from you as possible and will even go as far as acting as though they care about your well being, in most cases, they do not. They view employees as a company expense. It is vital that if you are being mistreated that you properly document everything with dates, times, witnesses, and exactly what happened. Never misquote, or state your opinion. Just state pure facts. If possible, see if your witnesses will email you what they witnessed. People generally do not want to go that far because they fear retaliation, so do not be surprised if no one wants to provide written or verbal backup for you. However, sometimes if you remind people that things will never change and they could end of in the same situation whether it is at the current company or a future one.

As a Christian woman, I have experienced workplace mistreatment. Most of the time, I do not pay attention to it. I smile, laugh and work through it like it doesn’t exist, while professionally documenting everything, and creating paper trails via emails. In the past, when I would recognize mistreatment, I would fight back, or end up allowing the stress to consume me and quit the company. Now, I walk with grace and

I worked at a company in a department that when the ladies there stated they did not like a particular person, and you were found associating with that person, you would feel the tension so intensely, you could cut it with a knife. Did the manager and HR representatives understand what was going on, absolutely.

Yet, this behavior was permitted because they wanted the person they disliked to feel isolated, and wanted to rid of that employee. The reason behind it was simple. She was beautiful, had a charming personality, and could out perform the older women that were targeting her. Their emotional insecurities took the stage of wanting to remove a highly intelligent and talented employee. That employee kept smiling and kept working. They could not get her fired, and she was smart enough to continue documenting proof of their harassment. When the companies HRs investigation did not punish the team members attacking her, her husband hired one of the best attorneys, and the company was sued. This employee won her case and was able to also prove retaliation that the HR team did not protect her from.

The reason the HR team ignored this specific employee, was because seeds of doubt were placed in their heads. They did not bother to review whether or not the rumors were true or not. They listened to a disgruntled manager who created fake rumors to discredit a hard working, and talented woman.

I have been to the manager meetings where I listen to managers critiquing their employees in front of HR, planting the seeds of doubt and have personally seen the side effects of these behaviors and the results. HR absorbs the seeds of doubt that are implanted verses asking important questions, or quietly investigating to review whether its the manager mismanaging, or truly an issue with the employee. We as humans often are subjective into listening to others opinions and misjudging.

Romans 8:31

What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? He who did not withhold his own Son, but gave him up for all of us, will he not with him also give us everything else?

So when I began receiving the mistreatment, I already was aware of the tactics. Driving home, venting to family or my husband about the mistreatment, it dawned on me of my boss’s action plan. He and two other men are trying to force me to quit, because they know I am not doing anything that they can technically fire me for. Their fragile egos fear my proven capabilities and assume I want part of a job description they have. That, along with their fragile minds believed a rumor without being the adult men they pretend to be and simply asking me, because they knew deep down inside I wasn’t part of it. These two men are also guilty of doing something very illegal, and they do not like being reminded of their ignorance.

I acknowledged the why, and as always my first course of action was I began praying. I asked God to guide me through this phase, this journey, and I have complete faith that God will, and God has, and continues to guide me. Proverbs 29:25 states: "The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe,” I had to ask myself, what is there to fear if I am doing nothing wrong? I fear no man, because I know God protects and guides me. What I am enduring, I am willing to endure for the sake of Christ, who went through far more than I ever will. Jesus performed miracles and yet was not loved by all, so who am I to ask to be loved by all?

I did not receive an immediate relief from the praying I was doing, because I was too busy sinning, complaining against it, and was not focusing on praying on this drama that had been going on for almost 2 years. I also will admit that there are moments that my worldly brain did want to stoop to their levels and revenge them, because I know they underestimate me and that human side of me wants to show them my full capabilities and talents, but I do not want to anger God. I also know that in 1 John 2:15, “Love not the world, neither the things in the world.” Is their sin, worth my salvation?

I also know by leaving it all in Gods hands, based on Gods words, I will maintain my personal peace, and I will continue abiding Gods expectations and rules. If I behave in the same manner as the people attacking me, I will be creating the same sins. Romans 12:19 states: "Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: 'It is mine to avenge; I will repay,' says the Lord,” God always keeps his word because God is incapable of lying, unlike us as humans.

Most importantly, I pray for those who are targeting me because in Leviticus 19:18: “You are not to seek vengeance or hold a grudge against the descendants of your people. Instead, love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” I am not saying that this is easy, because as a human, it is our nature to protect ourselves, our families, our reputations, and our income. However, I have learned that being still and quiet, documenting everything with dates, times and any possible witnesses, along with prayers, truly is the most effective method to these types of issues. I also know that God has been answering my prayers, and has been guiding me beyond the pain I would have felt if I attempted to do this without his love and guidance. By placing this situation in Gods hands, I know I am protected, and emotionally I am protected. I am not feeling any forms of anxiety, stress or even anger through this process. I did prior to placing this situation in God’s hands, and that was an awful burden I did not deserve or need to carry around.

While it may seem difficult to love and pray for the people who are attacking you, and keeping your commitment to allowing God to handle all matters, Matthew 5:43-48 bests explains why it is important to love your enemy.

“You have heard that it was said, “love your neighbor and hate your enemy, but I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be the children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to shine on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteousness. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your Heavenly Father is perfect.”

We do not know what the person or people who are attacking are personally going through, their thought processes, or their personal lives. It is not for us to judge, and again, allowing God to take his course of actions against them. All in Gods beautiful perfect timing.

I continue praising God for guiding me through this situation I am enduring at work. It has taught me to strengthen my faith in God, it has taught me how to be silent, for as Christians we learn that excessive talking can and does lead to sin, which is generally gossiping, planting the seeds of doubt. Proverbs 10:19 - When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.”

Although I remain silent on some things, I decided to let my boss know I was fully aware of their action plan, and I did inform him I am documenting everything. I also let him know I fear no man, as none are God, Jesus or the Holy Spirit. I fear God and only God. I continue to pray, I pray for those who I know are causing the seeds of doubt, rumors and lies. I am reminded again to love my enemy in Luke 6:27-28: “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. By loving your enemy, you are showing them that they cannot break your faith in God. By loving your enemy, you are showing Jesus, God and the Holy Spirit that you have complete faith that God is protecting you.You are disarming the enemy! We are removing ourselves from being worldly, sinful, and pleasing God. No man can take us to heaven, but our faith, actions and reactions can!

I am seeing positive results, as I continue to document the now much fewer moments of distress these two guys deliver. I am grateful that God has brought this to me, because it has created a stronger desire and relationship with God. Maybe that is what it took for me to find my calling, is by listening to his word, instead of leaning on my own understanding, as Proverbs 3:5-6 states: “ Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.”

Just remember, 1 Corinthians 1:25 - “For the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength.” God makes all things possible.

1. Affirm Your God-Given Dignity and Worth

- The Bible teaches that both men and women are created in the image of God, possessing equal dignity and value (Genesis 1:27)[2][3].

- Proverbs 31 highlights the example of a “valiant woman,” affirming women’s strength, capability, and leadership in work and society[1].

2. Respond to Mistreatment with Integrity and Love

- Jesus commands, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31) and “Treat others the way you want to be treated” (Matthew 7:12)[2]. Responding with grace does not mean accepting abuse, but acting without bitterness or vengeance.

- “Bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you” (Luke 6:27-28)[5].

3. Seek Justice and Stand Against Oppression

- The Bible condemns all forms of oppression and calls believers to “defend the oppressed” and “seek justice” (Isaiah 1:17; Proverbs 22:22-23)[2][6].

- “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed” (Isaiah 1:17)[2].

4. Protect Yourself and Others

- Scripture affirms the right to avoid danger and abuse, as our bodies are God’s temple (1 Corinthians 6:19–20)[8].

- If you face harassment or discrimination, it is biblically appropriate to document incidents, seek help, and use available workplace or legal channels to protect yourself and others[2][8].

5. Trust in God’s Justice

- “God is just: He will not ignore the cry of the afflicted” (Psalm 9:12)[2]. Even when earthly systems fail, God sees and will ultimately bring justice.

6. Pray for Wisdom and Strength

- Pray for God’s guidance, courage, and peace as you navigate difficult situations (James 1:5; Philippians 4:6-7)[1].

Key Scriptures for Encouragement and Action:

- Genesis 1:27 – Created in God’s image

- Proverbs 31:10-31 – The valiant woman

- Mark 12:31 – Love your neighbor as yourself

- Matthew 7:12 – The Golden Rule

- Isaiah 1:17 – Seek justice, defend the oppressed

- Psalm 9:12 – God hears the cry of the afflicted

- 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 – Your body is God’s temple

- Luke 6:27-28 – Love and pray for those who mistreat you

Summary:

Christian women are called to stand firm in their God-given worth, respond to mistreatment with integrity, seek justice, protect themselves, and trust in God’s ultimate justice. The Bible does not call women to passivity in the face of abuse but to act with wisdom, courage, and faith[1][2][8].

Sources

[1] Overcoming The Challenges Of Working Women - Day 1 of 7 https://www.bible.com/reading-plans/4475-overcoming-the-challenges-of-working-women/day/1

[2] The Workplace Harasser - Sermon Central https://sermoncentral.com/sermons/the-workplace-harasser-shaila-touchton-sermon-on-harassment-283180

[3] The Bible Teaches the Equal Standing of Man and Woman https://www.cbeinternational.org/resource/bible-teaches-equal-standing-man-and-woman/

[4] What Does the Bible Say About Mistreatment Of Women? https://www.openbible.info/topics/mistreatment_of_women

[5] 20 Bible Verses about Bullying - Encouraging Scripture Quotes https://www.biblestudytools.com/topical-verses/bible-verses-about-bullying/

[6] Why Micah 6:8? | Westmont College https://www.westmont.edu/why-micah-6-8

[7] What Does the Bible Say About Gender Discrimination? https://www.openbible.info/topics/gender_discrimination

[8] What does the Bible say about women's rights? | GotQuestions.org https://www.gotquestions.org/womens-rights.html

[9] Biblical Justice Includes Justice for Women - Missio Alliance https://www.missioalliance.org/biblical-justice-includes-justice-for-women/

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