If you’ve struggled or are struggling with being in a toxic workplace, being bullied or with a micro-aggression of any sort… you might struggle between “turning the other cheek” and seeking justice.
What if the two options aren’t quite mutually exclusive? Here’s sharing a course of action I put together from my most recent experience of encountering a difficult incident abroad.
1. Validate your feelings. It’s easy to say, “Oh, it’s not a big deal. I should take it on the chin.” But if you did feel belittled, wronged or bullied, it’s real. Don’t second guess yourself.
2. Know your heart. If you plan to report the incident for the main sake of fighting for yourself to better your situation, know that that outcome is very much out of your control. In reporting the incident, accept that there is always the risk that things may worsen.
3. But once you’ve resolved that you’re taking action to assume social responsibility for the future good of others, to initiate a course of restoration to our broken world, know that whatever the outcome- you did good. No matter what the outcome, affirm yourself for it because you put yourself on the line with the love of others in mind. This is “loving others as yourself” in action. (Mt 22:34-40)
4. Make sure the incident is objectively documented. Report it through the right means. Ensure you’re covered with prayer support.
If you decide to confront the aggressor yourself, that is an option but it may not be wise, especially if unequal power dynamics are already at play.
Seek wisdom.
5. Once you’ve done the right thing, let God take over. Recognize you cannot control the outcome and trust God’s sovereignty in the matter.
6. Embark on the process of forgiveness to whoever has hurt you. This does not mean exposing yourself to be perpetrator again, but simply letting go of your hurt and bitterness.
Wherever you are, know that however hard a situation you might be in, however unseen you might feel, God sees you.
Turn the other cheek for yourself, but fight for the justice of others. May you be affirmed by the steadfast grace of God to do justice in His way and time.