Question: In hopes of sharing the gospel, I recently asked a co-worker if he believed God had a plan for his life. Somehow my question rubbed him the wrong way. He walked away from our conversation and has treated me differently ever since. To be honest, I sometimes find his negative comments annoying. Should I keep trying to convince him God is real? How should I witness to my co-worker?
Answer:
First, I want to celebrate your courage. Sharing the gospel isn’t always comfortable, and Jesus told us that following Him would sometimes bring resistance. Still, you stepped out in faith, and heaven sees that (Matthew 5:11–12). But the way we respond when someone rejects our words is just as important as the words themselves.
Your co-worker’s reaction may sting, but it’s not unusual. The gospel confronts the heart, and sometimes people respond with defensiveness, sarcasm, or avoidance. Yet Jesus showed us exactly how to respond when people push back: with intercession. As He hung on the cross, He prayed for those hammering nails into His hands, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). That’s not just a moment of compassion, that’s a Kingdom model for us.
If praying for him feels unnatural, ask the Holy Spirit to fill your heart with divine love. Love elevates you above irritation. Love helps you see past the harsh comments and into the wounded, searching heart beneath. Love transforms annoyance into compassion and offense into opportunity. It lets you see the version of your co-worker God envisioned before the foundation of the world (Ephesians 1:4).
As you pray, also ask the Father to reveal His love to your co-worker. But expect Him to use you in the process. If he throws a jab or tries to provoke you, let it slide. Respond with kindness, patience, and humility because the loudest sermon you preach at work will not be with your lips but with your life. Jesus didn’t say the world would know His disciples by their debating skills; He said they would know us by our love (John 13:35).
In time, God may soften his heart. One day, the same co-worker avoiding you today may ask you questions you never expected. But even if that moment never comes, something far greater is happening: you are becoming more like Christ. You’re learning the most powerful lesson of all, how to love someone who doesn’t love you back.
And that, my friend, is the gospel in action.
