Counsels on Relationships

Counsel #24 — Workplace “Friends”

Picture: Counsel #24 — Workplace “Friends” CR 353.1

Work friendships can be a blessing. Just think about it. Having a good friend at work that you can laugh with between meetings can make hard days more bearable. But what happens when that friendship starts to cross a line? What if lunch breaks with that colleague start to feel more like dates, and texts continue long after work hours? CR 353.2

For many, what starts as comfort can quietly grow into emotional or physical attachment. This is problematic for many reasons, especially if one or both people are married. An emotional affair often begins long before anything physical. Sharing your heart in ways reserved for your spouse creates a bond that easily slips into something more, and while culture might dismiss it as harmless, Scripture reminds us that fidelity is sacred. Emotional and physical affairs in the workplace hurt marriages and even negatively affect families, children, and the workplace community. Friendships at work should sharpen you, not compromise your integrity. If you ever sense attraction or emotional dependence growing, bring it to God in prayer and seek accountability.^[369] CR 353.3

“But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.” Ephesians 5:3 NIV CR 353.4

“Those who work for Christ are to be upright and trustworthy, firm as a rock to principle…” Ellen White in Reflecting Christ, p. 30 CR 353.5

Reflect: Are your workplace friendships appropriate? CR 353.6