You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ ³⁹ But I say to you, do not show opposition against an evil person; but whoever slaps you on your right cheek, turn the other toward him also. ⁴⁰ And if anyone wants to sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak also. ⁴¹ Whoever forces you to go one mile, go with him two. ⁴² Give to him who asks of you, and do not turn away from him who wants to borrow from you. ^[1]

~Jesus (Matthew 5:38-42

Why this is important: We will have enemies at work. We may suffer violence. We may have co-workers sue us. We may have others who want money for us. We cannot predict what can or will happen at work, because of our faith.

What should our approach be? The way of Jesus at work is the way of love. Jesus gives us practical examples of what love looks like at work.

• There will be evil people at work. Jesus is clear about that.
• We are not to oppose them, in any way shape or form.
• We are to work extra if they want us to. We are to “suck it up”. Work extra hours? YES, work twice as many as they ask!
• We are to give to anyone at work who wants something from us.

The way I see it: Jesus knows something we do not know. Jesus knows what love means. Jesus knows what will make a difference to those who work with us. These acts of love will be noticed and make an impact on others.

Good news: God will be with us no matter what. It is not an issue that we are being forced to do certain things. Our mission is to always love.

^[1] New American Standard Bible. (2020). (Mt 5:38–42). La Habra, CA: The Lockman Foundation.