Workplace Meditation Week 3: Saving Friendships (Part II)

Workplace Meditation

Saving a Worthy Friendship at Work (Part II)

Bible Passage: Philemon 1:8-22

Passage Key Words: “dear friend and fellow coworker,” “given me great joy and encouragement”

Topical Key Words: consent, favor, spontaneous, brother, partner, restored

How does one manage a workplace friendship when work-related comparisons, rewards and commendations threaten to change the friendship-interactions into a competitive feud? Apostle Paul faced similar challenges with his ministry coworker, Apollos. Some coworkers and converts started making comparisons and identifying themselves with one or the other (1 Corinthians 1). Paul rather than ignore the impact of those comparisons and the resulting tensions, he discussed the comparisons openly and turned the debate on the overall mission and goals of the organization. By orienting himself and focusing on the corporate mission rather than personal achievements and acolades, the Apostle overcame the irritations of the constant comparisons and competitive spirit.

In a similar conflict over work-related decisions, Paul and Barnabas went their separate ways over the decision to take another coworker, John Mark, on their travels (Acts 15: 36-41). Barnabas took Mark against Paul’s objections. However, both men did not allow their work-related disagreement to hurt their personal commitment to each other and the mission of the organization. When Mark matured, Paul did accept and request for him, as coworker. He did not hold on to the past. Maybe, God designed the conflict to allow Barnabas to take Mark privately and train him to better serve Paul.

Although conflicts among workplace friends are inevitable, what fuels them are jealousy and pride. What disarm them are transparency, honesty, humility, trust and commitment.

If the workplace relationship with worthy friends appears to be devolving into competitive combatants, the recipe for restoration always includes transparency, humility, trust, loyalty, godliness, empathy, deference and love.

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