Day #13 Co-workers/Neighbors/Acquaintances
"Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace." ~Ephesians 4:2-3
Hopefully, we love ourselves and are able to show that love to our spouses and our families, but what about those people that we don't choose to have in our lives, but these people were chosen for us? The workplace and our neighborhoods are full of opportunities for interactions with others. For younger folks, these people are our classmates or teammates. Whichever the case, part of life is learning to coexist with others.
Help Wanted: Human Relations Department
We might look at these relationships as if we are members of the human relations department. The goal: the company's mission and unity. A good day: we accomplish our goals and no one is hurt, complaining, or offended. How often do we have "good days"? In this sinful world full of sinful people like ourselves, good days may be rare, but we keep on striving.
Our routine:
Assessment: What is the current condition of our relationship with co-workers? How do we interact with our neighbors? What first impressions do we leave with those we meet for the first time?
What is the purpose of this relationship?
What is the state of this relationship? What is going well? What isn’t?
What changes need to be made to this relationship?
Adjustment: It would be beneficial for us to take some time to reflect on our past relationships. When it comes to the work place, what solid relationships have been built? Have we made any lasting relationships with neighbors, or have those relationships brought hostility? In what ways might we need to shift gears in order to right our current relationships in these areas?
As an HR department, we will begin with a couple of verses as guidelines:
Hebrews 12:14-15
Galatians 6:2
As challenges arise, we try to encourage everyone with the following verses:
James 1:2-5
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you."
Mid-afternoon, when spirits are getting low from the day's challenges, we offer this verse as a reminder of the actual purpose of our work:
Matthew 5:16
"In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."
Good deeds and hard work are noticed. People notice people who are filled with the light of the Lord. Whether we work in a place where we can openly speak about our faith or if doing so will get us an actual visit to the HR department, we can always glorify God through hard work and good deeds. A Godly example speaks volumes.
1 Thessalonians 5:12-15
"Now we ask you, brothers and sisters, to acknowledge those who work hard among you, who care for you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work. Live in peace with each other. And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else."
As a team of workers, we have become stronger by relying on the above verses, so as an HR department, we add the following verses as an added challenge.
Colossians 3:12-17 [I separated and bulleted the verses so we think of each of them as imperatives.]
- "Therefore, as God's chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
- Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
- And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
- Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, since as members of one body you were called to peace. And be thankful.
- Let the message of Christ dwell among you richly as you teach and admonish one another with all wisdom through psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit, singing to God with gratitude in your hearts.
- And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him."
A workplace (or a neighborhood) full of compassion, kindness, humility, and patience is ideal. An environment filled with love and forgiveness and peace is a perfect place to foster a knowledge of and a love for Christ Jesus. The result of this would be a place of thankfulness, rather than complaint. Let us strive to help nurture this kind of environment.
While doing all this may seem daunting, not doing so does come with its own cost:
Galatians 6:7-9
"Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. Whoever sows to please their flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; whoever sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up."
Finally, in terms of the acquaintances we encounter:
Proverbs 22:2
"Rich and poor have this in common: The LORD is the Maker of them all."
The bottom line--the Golden Rule--Treat others as we would like to be treated.
Prayer:
God, we love You and we want to love others better. Please guide us to stronger relationships in our workplace and in our neighborhoods. In each of our encounters with others, grant us loving patience and guide us to glorify You, Almighty God. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
“If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone." ~Romans 12:18
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