In January, we began a year-long focus on Kindness as a spiritual practice. As part of this year of kindness, founding member, Caralie Brown, agreed to write a blog on kindness in the workplace. We originally imagined this post would go live in April; but in April, many of us were transitioning our workplaces into our homes. So much has happened in these weeks and months. Many of us are now returning to our offices with new precautions. Others are settling in for more months of working from home. In any case, remembering kindness in the workplace can be a survival skill in this stressful season! No matter where you find yourselves “working” these days, I think there’s a good bit of wisdom and encouragement in Caralie’s words. Enjoy!

Pastor Chrissy

Kindness in the Workplace
Scripture from Good News Bible

It seems paradoxical to expect to find kindness in the workplace. There are responsibilities to be accepted and duties to be performed, but can kindness be expressed in our jobs? There are a few occupations in which we expect kindness, such as nursing. Should all professions manifest kindness? Yes! Our Christian faith requires it.

Another name for workplace is vocation from the Latin word “vocare – to call”. Are all Christians “called”? Yes! Nevertheless, all ministries will not be expressed in the same way, but kindness will be an integral part of all of them. “For we know that in all things God works for good with those who love him, those whom he has called according to this purpose.” Romans 8:28

Kindness is love in action. For all people who have helped us prepare for our vocations or have actually employed us, our response should be gratitude. “Be joyful always; pray at all times; be thankful in all circumstances. This is what God wants from you in your life in union with Christ Jesus.” First Thessalonians 5:18

Kindness is love in action. With our coworkers, it will be shown by cooperation. Not only should we work well together but listen to each other with open minds and hearts so that we will work better. Sometimes the life of a person outside the workplace affects the performance inside. “By the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, I appeal to all of you, my brothers, to agree in what you say so that there will be no division among you. Be completely united with only one thought and purpose.” First Corinthians 1:10

Kindness is love in action. For all the people whom we serve in our vocation, we should have compassion. The listening ear and loving heart will enable us to identify with joys and sorrows of other people. “Do for others what you want them to do for you.” Matthew 7:2a. Sometimes the life of a person outside the workplace affects the performance inside.

Kindness means we keep this in mind with empathy. “Be kind and compassionate to one another.” Ephesians 4:32

As we are thankful, cooperative, and compassionate, we will be demonstrating kindness in the workplace, love in the actions of vocation.

~ Caralie Nelson Brown