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How can I have healthy relationships with the men I work with?
Treat male coworkers as brothers.
Romans 12:9-18
Anytime individuals get together, there is opportunity for problems. But when one person is male, and the other is female, the potential for trouble can increase. Yet togetherness also provides an excellent opportunity for you to show just what God meant friendship between the sexes to be! You can demonstrate the encouragement, teamwork, and support that promote a happy workplace.
Start by following Romans 12:9-18: Hate evil and hold on to good. It's unfortunate, but Hollywood makes attraction between unmarried persons look good, not evil. Movies imply that males and females cannot work together without losing control sexually. Sad things seldom happen in movie affairs; but in real life, damage always comes to those who express attraction outside of marriage. Hate this evil, and love the purity of friendship.
Aim to grow solid, caring friendships with your coworkers of the opposite sex. Refuse to compete with or mistreat each other. Always act in ways that invite respect, and give yourself boundaries that make certain you never act flirtatiously toward an office mate. Even the strongest Christian must avoid going places alone with an opposite-gender coworker or giving too much emotional support. Make it your rule to avoid all appearance of evil. Then you can "live peaceably with all men" (12:18). (See also Esther 4; Proverbs 5; Galatians 6:1-10.)
Good Words to Remember:
Be kindly affectionate to one another with brotherly love, in honor giving preference to one another. Romans 12:10
Today's Challenge:
How do you live at peace with your male coworkers?
Related Bible Study: Marriage and Opposite-Sex Friends
Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today International/Christian Bible Studies.
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