While attending a wedding reception in Ohio, I couldn’t help but notice a young couple standing all alone and apart from the crowd. They didn’t appear to know anyone, looked out of place and seemed very ill-at-ease. My brother and sister-in-law noticed too and then something really cool happened. My brother and his wife walked over, introduced themselves and invited them to join our table. For more than three hours the six of us enjoyed sweet fellowship, danced, laughed and dined together. In fact, even though this couple lives over 600 miles from my brother and sister-in-law, they made plans to visit. What happened? My brother and his wife reached out to someone at a time when they may have felt alone and left out. They took a risk and cared. It was a beautiful thing to witness!
There are people in our workplaces who feel left out and alone. Most often, these folks simply need friends and to know that someone cares. Perhaps they are new to their job. Maybe they are introverted and don’t meet others easily. It could be that they are insecure, suffering or grieving the loss of someone they love. Whatever the case, each one needs a friend. Will you take the risk? The Bible is filled with commands about befriending others, especially the lonely; a friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a difficult time (Proverbs 17:17). Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others (Philippians 2:4). Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you (Ephesians 4:32). Jesus said, a new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another (John 13:34-35).
Workplace believers are to be sensitive to the needs of colleagues, employees, customers and friends. Observe their faces, body language and words for clues of loneliness, hurt or personal suffering; especially during seasonal times and anniversaries of loss. The most effective care and support we can offer others is our presence. Your invitation…is simply to care.
Your workplace challenge is to care for those at work who need a friend. It’s that simple. Jesus loved others sacrificially and put their needs above His own. We should too! So, open your eyes and befriend someone at work. Be willing to take the risk and do it for His Glory.