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65. Love Your Coworkers – Work Together as Coworkers for God

December 22, 2025

Scripture Reading: 1 Corinthians 3:5-9

In his first letter to the Corinthians, Paul clears up a potential conflict between himself and his coworker Apollos by emphasizing their relationship as coworkers. One is not greater than the other, but they share a common purpose of working together for the gospel. Each of them did a specific job.

To use an agricultural metaphor, Paul planted and Apollos watered. In this case as well as in our modern workplaces, coworkers have different tasks in line with their abilities, but all share a common goal of getting the job done.

By the grace of God, different people are able to play different roles in the workplace. We need to value each others’ differences, just like Paul valued the work of Apollos. Unfortunately, specialization sometimes leads to interpersonal or interdepartmental factionalism, poor lines of communication, and even personal vilification.

So it is ever more important that we take note of what Paul says about the God-given nature of different roles. Though our coworkers may be different in ways that irk us, we can love them for those differences, knowing that each of us is necessary to get the job done.

God created people to be coworkers. He warns us to deal quickly with interpersonal conflict and to guard our tongues against the kind of speech that poisons relationships. This is because working with others is so important to getting godly work done.

God asks us to go beyond simple working relationships to love our coworkers in the same way we love ourselves. He shows us an example of what that looks like in the Good Samaritan. And he cautions us through the words of Paul to value each other continuously as we work towards common purposes.

Our relationships with coworkers may be complex. Thankfully, the ways we can start loving them are simple. Pay attention to your coworkers, give them the benefit of the doubt, speak kindly about them and stand up for them when necessary. These loving actions will go a long way towards creating a positive environment where everyone is happy to work.

Prayer: God, please help me see the value in my coworkers today. I want to love them as you love them.

Further Exploration: We hope this plan encouraged you. You can find more plans from the Theology of Work Project at www.theologyofwork.org/devotions

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

64. Love Your Coworkers – Be a Good Samaritan at Work

December 15, 2025

Scripture Reading: Luke 10:25-37

In Luke 10:25-37 Jesus expands upon the Great Commandment to include a parable that answers the question “who is my neighbor?” The story of the Good Samaritan provides us with insights for both life and work.

The Good Samaritan was a successful businessman. He likely traveled the trade route often, and was deemed trustworthy enough by the innkeeper to demand services on credit. He was successful enough to be able to afford oil and wine for medicinal purposes and lodging at an inn for a complete stranger. Perhaps his success was a result of his kindness.

It turns out that treating coworkers well is good for business. Arthur Demoulas, CEO of the chain of groceries Market Basket, made it a point to treat his workers well. He paid them well over the minimum wage and refused to scrap the company’s profit-sharing plan even in an economic downturn.

He forged direct connections with his workers, learning the names of as many of his 25,000 employees as possible. When Market Basket’s board of directors fired Arthur Demoulas in 2014, due in large part to his generosity, the employees of the supermarket went on strike in support of their leader. Workers refused to stock the shelves until Arthur Demoulas regained control of the company. It was the first instance ever of workers organizing to choose their own CEO, and it was fueled by Arthur Demoulas’ self-sacrificing generosity.

At work we have many chances to show this sort of self-sacrificial love to our coworkers. Being a Good Samaritan in the workplace means cultivating a specific awareness of the needs of others. Are there people in your workplace who are being robbed in some way, perhaps of recognition or promotion?

A Christian should be the one to point out their contributions. Or if you see one or your coworkers struggling with a project, stop what you’re doing and help them. Connect them with someone else who can help. This is what the Good Samaritan does to love his neighbor.

Prayer: Lord, help me be a Good Samaritan in my workplace today. Bless me with success in my work and give me the opportunity to use that success for others.

Further Exploration: For more on valuing people who are different from us, listen to this sermon: Finding God in the Least Expected People (Sermon Notes)

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

63. Love Your Coworkers – The Great Commandment at Work

December 8, 2025

Scripture Reading: Deuteronomy 6:5, Leviticus 19:18, Matthew 22:34-40

For all the many hours that we spend at work, the people to the right and to the left of us are our neighbors. Jesus teaches that whether or not we love our coworkers is directly linked to how much we love God.

When Jesus answers a lawyer’s question about which commandment in all of scripture is the greatest, he brings together two commandments into one new directive. Love God, and love your neighbor as yourself.

This new dual command has been called The Great Commandment for its importance in all of scripture. We cannot fully show our love for God if we do not love our neighbor.

What does loving our neighbor as our own self look like in the workplace? It looks like paying attention to a coworker’s presentation rather than checking your phone, even if the subject matter isn’t interesting to you. You would want to see other people’s eyes if you were giving a presentation.

Or it looks like taking time to sit with a new coworker at lunch because you would want to be welcomed if it were your first day on the job. Or it looks like asking a colleague, “Is it possible we’re not taking her seriously enough because she’s a woman?” knowing that you would want a colleague to stand up for you if you were being misunderstood.

These are small examples, yet each of them may come at a price—boredom, an hour of unbillable time, access to the inner circle of power. To love your coworkers, as yourself, may require taking risks that we would surely take in order to serve our own ends, but which loom large when undertaken only for the benefit of someone else. It is truly a high bar, and perhaps that is why Jesus equates such behavior with showing love for God.

Prayer: God, I love you with all my heart, soul, and might. Let me express my love for you today by loving my coworkers. Give me eyes to see the ways I love myself, and let me love others in this way.

Further Exploration: For more ways that you can love your neighbor through your work, see the Theology of Work Commentary on Leviticus .

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

62. Love Your Coworkers – Conflict with Coworkers

December 1, 2025

Scripture Reading: Proverbs 20:3; 20:19; 26:20-21; Matthew 18:15-16

If God intends us to work in helpful relationships with others, where do we go wrong? According the book of Proverbs, a lot of strife creeps into our working relationships when we talk about coworkers behind their backs.

Work often brings together people with different skills from different cultural backgrounds. This is good for building a diverse team able to handle many types of challenges. But it often also leads to conflict. How we deal with workplace conflict determines whether we work in a loving environment or an energy-sapping one.

When we have a conflict with a coworker we are often tempted to unburden ourselves on some other friendly ear. But many verses in the bible caution against such talk. While we think it will make us feel better, talking maliciously about a coworker often prolongs a fight rather than resolves it.

Gossip casts other people in a questionable light by raising doubts about their integrity. The gossiper elevates his or her own status at the expense of others who are not present to speak for themselves. This casts a shadow over anyone else in the office who might as a result of the gossip feel guarded and suspicious. Instead of ending a conflict, gossip amplifies it.

A better way of dealing with workplace conflict is laid out in Matthew 18:15-16. If you have an issue with one of your coworkers, it is best to talk it over in person when the two of you are alone. This gives you both a chance to clarify your positions and clear up misunderstandings.

If you have not solved the conflict after a one-on-one chat, hold a small meeting with one or two additional people. Other coworkers may have different insights into the conflict and useful perspectives on ways to solve it.

Conflict occurs in most coworker relationships. It takes courage and humility to deal with conflict head on. Yet, when you follow the advice of scripture, you create a better environment where everyone is happy to work.

Prayer: God, you see the conflict in my workplace. Give me strength to heal my work relationships. Guard my tongue against gossip and slander. I put my trust in you.

Further Exploration: If you want to read more about the process of conflict resolution, read the Theology of Work Commentary on Matthew 18 .

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

61. Love Your Coworkers – God Created Coworkers

November 24, 2025

Scripture Reading: Genesis 2:15-18

Our study starts with the first two human co-workers, Adam and Eve. God put Adam in the garden of Eden with a job: to till the garden and keep it productive. But soon God saw that working alone was not good for Adam. So God made another person to be Adam’s helper and partner.

The phrase in Hebrew that is used to describe the first woman is ezer k’negdo. Ezer is used in the Old Testament to mean one who helps, not as an apprentice or assistant, but as a competent ally. The word ezer is also used to describe God as our help, as in Exodus 18:4 “The God of my father was my help, and delivered me from the sword of Pharaoh.”

The word k’negdo means “comparable to him” or “suitable to him.” Put together, the phrase indicates that Eve was created with comparable or complementary gifts to Adam, with the purpose of joining Adam in the work God had asked him to do.

Adam and Eve had the distinction of being the first couple too, but before that they were the first human coworkers. What lesson can we take from their story for our modern (nonromantic) working relationships?

One way that we can love our coworkers is by being an ezer k’negdo at work. A helper delivers others from distress. Is there a coworker struggling with a new task who could use your expertise? The second half of the phrase implies that God intended his first human coworkers to share the load with each other.

Being an ezer k’negdo to your coworkers means approaching work-related problems with a shared vision. This means forgetting phrases such as “that’s not in my job description” and partnering with your coworkers to achieve a shared vision.

Prayer: Lord help me love my coworkers today, as you originally designed in creation. Let me be a helper to those I work with, and bless them to be helpers to me.

Further Exploration: To learn more about God’s intention for relationships as shown in creation, see the Theology of Work Commentary on Genesis

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

60. Conflict at Work – Be Eager to Do What is Right

November 17, 2025

Scripture Reading: Philippians 6:7, Isaiah 16:5

The book of Isaiah describes God’s servant as “eager to do what is right.” The Hebrew reads, more literally, “He will . . . be quick [to do] righteousness.” When we remember that righteousness means right relationships, we recognize that Jesus calls us to prioritize addressing broken or strained relationships. It’s not easy, and often we’d rather put off the hard work and vulnerability of seeking to mend our relationships.

For example, when our urge is to ignore or hide conflict with others at work, we must instead acknowledge the conflict and talk with the people involved (not gossip with others). When we would rather keep it to ourselves, we should ask wise people for help in getting started (in humility, not in hopes of gaining an upper hand). When we would rather build a case against our rival, we should instead build a case for them, or at least acknowledge whatever their good points are. If we have done wrong, we should admit it and ask for forgiveness. When we have been wronged, we should forgive. And when we think we don’t have the energy to engage the other person, but would rather just write off the relationship, we must let God’s power and patience substitute for our own.

In this we seek to imitate our Lord, who “emptied himself” of personal agendas and so received the power of God to live out God’s will in the world. If we do these things, then our conflict can be resolved in terms of what the true issues are, rather than our projections, fears and resentments. Usually this leads to a restored working relationship and mutual respect, if not friendship. Even in the unusual cases where no reconciliation is possible, we can expect a surprising “peace of God, which surpasses all understanding.” It is a sign that even a broken relationship is not beyond the hope of God’s goodness.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, it’s hard sometimes to initiate reconciliation. I don’t like conflict; I often would rather avoid and deny than be quick to do what’s right. Forgive me when I delay doing the right thing. Help me be eager to do what is right and quick to obey. Amen.

Further Exploration: We hope this plan encouraged you. You can find more plans from the Theology of Work Project at www.theologyofwork.org/devotions

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

59. Conflict at Work – Coming to a Solution

November 10, 2025

Scripture Reading: Acts 6:1-5, 11:2-18

Some workplace conflict stems from different points of view about how to handle a matter or decision. This can actually be a good thing if it causes us to see things from a new perspective. None of us has perfect knowledge, unlimited wisdom and totally pure motives. So we benefit from coming up against people who see things differently, if we are willing to work creatively together to resolve our differences. We have a few examples of this type of conflict in today’s verses, from the book of Acts.

A helpful pattern emerges from the book of Acts that is useful for work conflicts:

1. Listen Carefully: Listen carefully to the concerns and perspectives of your co-workers. Who are the stakeholders that will be affected by your decisions? How can you best serve all parties?

2. Assess Honestly: Assess the strengths and weaknesses of various courses of action and concerns. They have to be acknowledged to be addressed.

3. Discard Prejudices: Be willing to change old attitudes and prejudices in light of new information.

4. Think Creatively: Create a new solution together.

Prayer: Jesus, you say in your word that if we lack wisdom, especially in the midst of our trials, we can ask you, and you will give generously. I ask for the patience and humility necessary to truly listen and submit to you. I pray for the wisdom to come to a solution. Amen.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

58. Conflict at Work – Be Spiritually Grounded

November 3, 2025

Scripture Reading: Ephesians 6:10-18

The book of Ephesians reminds us that “our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” In other words, we live in a fallen world, and there are factors beyond our control that contribute to the difficulties we face at work. We shouldn’t expect even the best workplace to be perfect. But we should expect the Spirit of God to be with us all the time.

In response to workplace struggles, Ephesians tells us to put on truth, righteousness, peace and faith. We are to remind ourselves of our salvation and gird ourselves with the word of God. We are to “pray in the Spirit with all kinds of prayers and requests.”

This means that we can always trust God to take care of us, so that we don’t need to be tempted to engage in unethical behavior, slander and anger. The powers of evil may indeed threaten, oppress or even cause us harm at work. But we don’t need to resort to dirty deeds to defend ourselves. Truth, right relationships, honest conflict resolution and faithfulness are the best ways for us, whether we are in good situations or bad. These are things we should request the Holy Spirit to give us.

This approach may not deliver overnight results. However, over time, we may find that we have more patience, fortitude, hope and love than we thought possible. And we know that Christ is victorious over every power of darkness and evil in the end.

Prayer: Dear Lord, I need your help when I experience darkness and evil at work. Help me to put on the armor of righteousness, peace, truth, faith, your Word and the joy of your salvation. Help me rely on your Spirit daily. I pray for the people who make my work difficult. Please bless them. I confess my own reluctance to love, and I admit that sometimes I’m the one who is difficult to work with. I pray for the ability to submit to you, knowing that you care for me. Amen

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

57. Conflict at Work – Always Hope for the Best Outcome

October 27, 2025

Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:2-8, Colossians 3:12

In the book of Philippians, Paul asks two women, Euodia and Syntyche, to come to peace with each other. Stop nurturing resentment, he tells them, and think about what is “honorable, just, pure, pleasing, commendable, excellent and praiseworthy” in the other person.

God’s spirit empowers us to love others and to hope for the best, just as we ourselves are embraced by the love and hope of God. Our natural reaction in conflict situations is often to assume the other person is hopelessly wrong—ignorant, stubborn, selfish, foolish. Why bother trying to restore our relationship—it will never work. But the love of God—for us and for them—gives us true hope that both they and we can change for the better.

It may help if we remember that many changeable factors contribute to the way people interact on any given day. The other person—or we—may have had a poor night’s sleep, a fight with a loved one, a financial setback or other life issues. We may have different ways of speaking or acting that give an incorrect impression. For example, a joke may come across the wrong way, or a word may be taken as an insult, even if it wasn’t meant that way. And we have different preferences for handling stress. Some like to have time alone to think, while others like to resolve things quickly and publicly.

The good news is that with God’s help there is hope. What seems like an intractable conflict today may become an opportunity for a deeper relationship tomorrow. Focus on the factors that may help move things forward, rather than impugning the other person’s motives. With prayer, we can ask God to help us be gentle and humble, see the good in others and let go of our anxieties.

Prayer: Jesus, help me to see those I am irritated with, hurt by or in conflict with, with the hope and love that you provide. May I be slow to anger. Instead of judging them, may I be a blessing to them. Amen.

Further Exploration: Click to read more from the Theology of Work Project about resolving conflict in Philippians.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

56. Conflict at Work – Be Quick to Listen

October 20, 2025

Scripture Reading: James 1:19-21

Christians need to listen well, both to people and to God. “Be quick to listen, slow to speak, slow to anger” (James 1:19). You listen, not as a technique to influence others, but as a way to let God’s word “rid yourselves of all sordidness and rank growth of wickedness” (James 1:21). Listening well to others removes our anger and arrogance. When others speak words that we do not welcome—words of disagreement, criticism or dismissal—it is easy to respond in anger, especially in high-pressure situations. But doing so usually makes our position worse and discredits our witness as Christ’s servants.

When approaching a co-worker about conflict, you must set aside your self-justification long enough to listen to what the other person has to say. This is very difficult! But it works. Your goal at first is not to come to agreement, but just to understand the other person’s point of view. Say something like, “I realize that this is coming between us, so I want to start by listening to how you see things.” Then listen without interrupting. Repeat back what the other person said without modifications or corrections. “I think you said…. Is that right?” You may have to try several times until you get it so the other person can respond, “Yes that is what I said.” Success!

Now ask the other person to listen to your perspective and repeat it back to you, just as you did for him or her. Repeat until the other person actually repeats what you said, without asking the person to agree with it.

Now you both understand the other person’s point of view. You may still disagree. Yet most of the time, the feeling of being heard and respected is so wonderful that both of you have a new energy and sense of working together. Now you can begin to find a solution to the conflict that you can both live with.

Prayer: Dear God, It is difficult to listen and not defend my own position. Help me approach conflict with meekness, humility and a heart that is willing to truly understand another’s perspective. Amen.

Further Exploration: Click to read more from the Theology of Work Project about listening in James 1.

Author: Theology of Work Project

Theology of Work Project Online Materials by Theology of Work Project, Inc. is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License. Based on a work at www.theologyofwork.org

You are free to share (to copy, distribute and transmit the work), and remix (to adapt the work) for non-commercial use only, under the condition that you must attribute the work to the Theology of Work Project, Inc., but not in any way that suggests that it endorses you or your use of the work.

Unless otherwise noted, the Scripture quotations contained herein are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the U.S.A., and are used by permission. All rights reserved.

Called To Work

Author: design

65. Love Your Coworkers – Work Together as Coworkers for God

64. Love Your Coworkers – Be a Good Samaritan at Work

63. Love Your Coworkers – The Great Commandment at Work

62. Love Your Coworkers – Conflict with Coworkers

61. Love Your Coworkers – God Created Coworkers

60. Conflict at Work – Be Eager to Do What is Right

59. Conflict at Work – Coming to a Solution

58. Conflict at Work – Be Spiritually Grounded

57. Conflict at Work – Always Hope for the Best Outcome

56. Conflict at Work – Be Quick to Listen

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