The typical American workplace is driven by high performance which is rewarded by promotion and financial gain. This kind of mindset often causes us to view our co-workers as people who can either help or hinder our professional advancement, often creating unhealthy relational practices and an unsupportive work environment. Unlike friendships, we generally don’t get to choose the people we work with. However, we do have to spend most of our time with them — sometimes even more so than with our own family and friends. So, how would God have us relate to our co-workers?

The Bible, especially the book of Proverbs, is full of principles about how to have positive interpersonal relationships. Two standouts related to developing healthy working relationships are the principles of respect and care. Choosing to respect and value the views, experience and gifts of others is critical to building God-honoring relationships in the workplace.

One of my friends is a coach in the NFL, and he coaches and leads some of the most talented athletes in America. While talking with him one night, I asked, “How do you coach a truly great athlete? Do you discuss the fundamentals of the game? Do you tell him to, ‘Take three steps this way, and hold the ball that way?’ What’s required to help a great athlete succeed?” Without hesitation, he replied, “Respect. You must respect each other’s experience, skills and approach.” Respecting our co-workers is easy when they’re likeable or we agree with them. But what about the really difficult people we work with? How do we respect those that don’t seem to deserve it?

Ultimately, respecting others has very little to do with agreement and much to do with deciding ahead of time to honor God by honoring others. Philippians 2:3 (NCV) says, “When you do things, do not let selfishness or pride be your guide. Instead, be humble and give more honor to others than to yourselves.” This verse speaks of going beyond respecting others for what they do and choosing to value them for who they are — God’s creation. Even with those we see as difficult or undeserving, we must make the effort to view them as God views them and value them accordingly, because respecting others is honoring to Him.

Taking it a step further, the Bible also tells us to care for those around us— including those we work with. Philippians 2:4 (NKJV) says, “Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.” We need to take the time to get to know people well enough to know what’s going on in their lives — professionally and personally — and to really care. God wants you to live unselfishly with those around you and be concerned with their well-being. So take time to follow up with people. Ask how things are going with their house hunting or whether their sick child is feeling better. Let them know you thought their last project or presentation was well-done. Simply offering your ear and heartfelt encouragement shows those around you that you care and value them. This in turn, creates an environment of trust. When others see that you’re concerned about the good, the bad and the ugly going on in their lives (regardless of how it impacts your own personal advancement), then trusting,supportive relationships are built and understanding and respect is bred in the workplace.

As Christians, our goal is to become more Christlike and to imitate Him in every area of our lives. Philippians 2 goes on to reveal the one underlying force for all relationships: “In your lives you must think and act like Christ Jesus. Christ Himself was like God in everything. But He did not think that being equal with God was something to be used for His own benefit. … He gave up His place with God and made Himself nothing” (Philippians 2:5–7, NCV). Only on the foundation of genuine humility will we be able to develop positive, life-giving relationships with our co-workers. Being respectful towards others and genuinely caring for them are acts of humility that cause us to become less self-focused in our workplace.

Think for a moment about your workplace. Would your co-workers say you’re a respectful person? Would you be characterized as someone who genuinely cares about others? Do you add value to their lives? Consider what steps you can take to better reflect Christ to your co-workers.

Respect your fellow human being, treat them fairly, disagree with them honestly, enjoy their friendship, explore your thoughts about one another candidly, work together for a common goal and help one another achieve it. No destructive lies. No ridiculous fears. No debilitating anger.
~ Bill Bradley