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You have heard that it was said, ‘you Shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may prove yourselves to be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Even the tax collectors, do they not do the same? 47 And if you greet only your brothers and sisters, what more are you doing than others? Even the Gentiles, do they not do the same? 48 Therefore you shall be mature [perfect], as your heavenly Father is perfect. [1]

~Jesus (Matthew 5:43-48)

Why it matters: We know we are supposed to love everyone at work. We are clear on that from Jesus. There is no doubt that is our goal.

And yet …

  • We have enemies at work.
  • Some of our co-workers hate us.
  • We are persecuted for our faith.
  • Vile and cruel things are said about us.

How will we really show our love at work? Jesus makes it clear that we way prove our love at work is for those who are our enemies. Love is not loving our supporters, those who champion our cause. Love is about loving those who oppose us, in demonstrable ways.

Some questions to ask ourselves:

  • Do we speak well of the colleague who torpedoed our presentation last week?
  • Do we go “the extra mile” to help another department leader who constantly trashes our departments work?
  • Are we well known for showing mercy to the down and out team who purposefully tanks our joint project?

The way I see it: This is the tough thing to do at work. When our team goes after another “competing team”, will we be willing to love them? Are we willing to put time and effort into this, or will we put our heads in the sand hoping our love will not be tested? It is and will be tested. It will be tested every day. We have enemies at work. What will we do about it?

  • Hide?
  • Retaliate?
  • Love, be kind, gentle and merciful?

We get to choose. Others are watching. Others are testing us just because they can.

[1] New American Standard Bible. (2020). (Mt 5:43–48). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.