A few weeks ago, I wrote and told you about my Super-Secret Plan to Integrate My Faith into the Workplace. While I am not allowed to preach about Jesus in the workplace, no one can stop me from integrating my faith by exhibiting the fruit of the Spirit; love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control (Galatians 5:22-23
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It is a simple, yet gloriously elegant plan.
Today I want us to explore what it means to integrate “love” as a fruit of the Spirit in the workplace.
Most places I worked over my career were cordial enough, but I would not describe them as “loving.” Sadly, quite a few people I’ve known over the years describe their work environments as cold, uncaring, toxic, and sometimes even hostile. I was fortunate in that only one or two assignments over 40-years had me in a toxic environment.
It was hard to “love” some of those coworkers, but that is exactly what Jesus commanded us to do.
The Biblical Directive
Jesus taught the disciples that we are to love one another.
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” John 13:34-35 (NIV)
In the context of this instruction, Jesus was referring to the love Christians are to show to other Christians.
However, Jesus expanded that instruction when he said we are to love our enemies, and even pray for those who persecute us.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous (Matthew 5:43-45).
That means, as Christians in the workplace, we are to show love not only to other Christians but to everyone else, including those who hate us and persecute us!
And how are we to love others? Jesus tells us we are to love others as He loved us.
How Are We to Love?
So, if we are to love others as Jesus loved us, how did Jesus love us?
Jesus demonstrated his love for us in four distinct ways.
1) His Love was Costly
Jesus’ costly love for us is seen at the cross. Jesus loved us so much that He gave His life for us.
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers” (1 John 3:16).
2) His Love was Caring
Jesus referred to us as His children, like a loving father who cares for his own.
“My children, I will be with you only a little longer. You will look for me, and just as I told the Jews, so I tell you now: Where I am going, you cannot come” (John 13:33).
The disciples were in distress. Jesus knew it, and he comforted them because he cared for them.
3) His love was Conspicuous
Jesus did not hide His love for the disciples, and He did not want them to be ashamed of their love for one another. In fact, their love for one another was to be a testimony of their commitment to Him.
“By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another” (John 13:35).
4) His Love was Committed
The disciples failed Jesus on numerous occasions. Perhaps most notable is Peter, who denied Jesus three times.
“Simon Peter asked him, “Lord, where are you going?” Jesus replied, “Where I am going, you cannot follow now, but you will follow later.” Peter asked, “Lord, why can’t I follow you now? I will lay down my life for you.” Then Jesus answered, “Will you really lay down your life for me? I tell you the truth, before the rooster crows, you will disown me three times!” (John 13:36-38).
Despite their failures, Jesus didn’t reject the disciples. Instead, He demonstrated His commitment to them by restoring and using them to build the Kingdom.
The Workplace Solution
To reflect love in the workplace as Jesus intended, we must love others as He loved us. Jesus’ love is costly, conspicuous, caring, and committed.
To love like Jesus means we must be willing to sacrifice our selfish desires for others. We must be caring when coworkers are in distress. Our love cannot hide in our nice thoughts and private prayers but in our conspicuous actions demonstrating our love. Finally, our love must be a committed love. Our goal is for our coworkers to know and love Christ as we do and that takes love born out of a total commitment to Christ and our fellow man.
Join the Conversation
As always, questions and comments are welcome. How is the fruit of the Spirit demonstrated in your workplace? In particular, the fruit of love for one another?
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Category: Skills | Empowerment
