Serving by Keeping People Human in Conflict [Commercial Broker #135]
Scripture
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God…” — 1 John 4:7 (ESV)
Devotional
In heated negotiations, it’s easy for parties to stop seeing each other as people and instead see “the landlord,” “the tenant,” “legal,” or “the other side.” Dehumanizing language makes it easier to justify harshness, stubbornness, or disrespect.
You can serve everyone involved by re-humanizing the process. Use names, not just roles. Remind each side of the other’s constraints and pressures. Say things like, “They’re trying to protect their long-term risk, just like you are,” or, “Remember, they have a board they must answer to as well.”
This doesn’t mean you ignore real issues; it means you refuse to let people become caricatures. As soon as we stop seeing each other as image-bearers, we justify unloving behavior. Love calls us back to remember: these are real people with families, responsibilities, and fears.
Keeping people human in conflict reflects the heart of God, who loves every person at the table.
Reflection Questions
Do I ever talk about “the other side” in ways that strip away their humanity?
How can I gently help parties remember each other’s humanity in my current negotiations?
Prayer
Father, help me see everyone in each deal as someone You created and love. Use me to bring respect and compassion into situations where people are tempted to forget each other’s humanity. Amen.
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This devotional is designed to encourage you as you live out your faith in the workplace. It works best when paired with regular time in Scripture, prayer, and worship—the rhythms through which we grow to know Christ more deeply and become more like Him.
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