Why Friendships at Work Matter
More Than Coworkers
Friendships at work matter more than most people realize. Especially for Christians, these friendships give us a way to live out our faith in meaningful and practical ways.
The workplace (whether a business or a non-profit) can carry its fair share of tension. Too many uncomfortable conversations lead to uncomfortable relationships. Before long, we start avoiding certain people or places, just in case that one person shows up.
A Better Way for Christians
As followers of Jesus, we’re called to rise above these patterns. We’re not supposed to mirror the culture of cold professionalism or unhealthy distance. Instead, we’re meant to bring light, peace, and connection. This includes our work life.
There used to be a widely held belief that building friendships in the workplace was a mistake. Some of the arguments are: “What if we disagree, or my friend gets fired?”
Conflict is a part of life with friends and coworkers, but you’ll both get stronger with each one. Related to them get fired…on the off-chance that happens, you’ll grow through that as well.
Companies Are Catching On
Even in secular environments, this truth is gaining ground. Companies like Google, Zappos, Pfizer, and Apple are praised for strong team culture. Publications like Forbes, Maclean’s, and BusinessWeek have repeatedly shown that companies with happy employees are often the most productive. And happy employees often have meaningful friendships at work.
Christians should lead the way in this. We have the ultimate source of joy and the clearest command to love others.
The Biblical Mandate
Paul gives some clear instruction to Timothy about relationships. Granted, we don’t always get it right (present company included), but this is a good outline for a relationship building in a work environment:
“Have nothing to do with foolish, ignorant controversies; you know that they breed quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone, able to teach, patiently enduring evil, correcting his opponents with gentleness. God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth.” (2 Timothy 2:23–25 – ESV)
We’re not meant to be quarrelsome. We’re meant to be kind. This shouldn’t stop when we clock in.
Your Next Step at Work
If you’re feeling tension at work…
- Take some time today to read 2 Timothy 2 and reflect on how Paul ties leadership to kindness and gentleness.
- Then pray. Ask God to reveal who you’ve been avoiding or struggling to love. If you’re led to, reach out. Book a coffee break or a lunch. Start rebuilding a connection.
Even one step toward kindness can change the atmosphere of your workplace.
Join the Conversation; Share Your Thoughts
- Do you have any friendships within your workplace?
- Why do you think those friendships were built?
- If you had no friendships at work, would you continue working for that organization?
