Introduction

Working with people is an essential aspect of human life and is deeply rooted in biblical teachings. The Bible provides guidance on how to interact with others in various contexts, emphasizing principles such as love, humility, cooperation, and service. These principles are applicable in family, church, workplace, and community settings.

Biblical Principles for Working With People

1. Love and Compassion

The foundation of working with others is love, as commanded by Jesus in the Gospels. In Matthew 22:39 , Jesus states, "And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’" This commandment underscores the importance of treating others with kindness and empathy. The Apostle Paul further elaborates on this in 1 Corinthians 13, where he describes love as patient, kind, and not self-seeking.

2. Humility and Servanthood

Humility is a key virtue in working with people. Philippians 2:3-4 advises, "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or empty pride, but in humility consider others more important than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others." Jesus exemplified servanthood, as seen in John 13:14-15 , where He washes the disciples' feet, teaching them to serve one another.

3. Cooperation and Unity

The Bible encourages believers to work together in unity. Psalm 133:1 states, "How good and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!" In the New Testament, Paul urges the church to maintain unity in Ephesians 4:3 : "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

4. Communication and Honesty

Effective communication is vital in working with others. Ephesians 4:25 instructs, "Therefore each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one another." Honest and clear communication fosters trust and understanding.

5. Forgiveness and Reconciliation

Conflicts are inevitable in human interactions, but the Bible calls for forgiveness and reconciliation. Colossians 3:13 advises, "Bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This principle helps restore relationships and maintain peace.

6. Encouragement and Support

Supporting and encouraging others is a biblical mandate. Hebrews 10:24-25 encourages believers to "spur one another on to love and good deeds" and to "encourage one another." Providing support and encouragement strengthens relationships and builds community.

Examples from Scripture

1. Moses and Jethro

In Exodus 18, Jethro, Moses' father-in-law, advises Moses to delegate responsibilities to capable men to effectively manage the people of Israel. This example highlights the importance of teamwork and wise counsel in leadership.

2. Paul and Barnabas

The partnership between Paul and Barnabas in the early church demonstrates cooperation and mutual support in ministry. Despite their eventual disagreement (Acts 15:36-41), their initial collaboration was instrumental in spreading the Gospel.

3. Ruth and Naomi

The relationship between Ruth and Naomi exemplifies loyalty and support. Ruth's commitment to Naomi, as expressed in Ruth 1:16-17 , showcases the strength of working together through difficult circumstances.

Conclusion

The Bible provides timeless principles for working with people, emphasizing love, humility, cooperation, and forgiveness. By adhering to these teachings, individuals can foster harmonious and productive relationships in all areas of life.1 Timothy 3:15
But if I tarry long, that you may know how you ought to behave yourself in the house of God, which is the church of the living God, the pillar and ground of the truth.
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Colossians 3:23-24
And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not to men;
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1 Timothy 5:8
But if any provide not for his own, and specially for those of his own house, he has denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.
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Matthew 10:33
But whoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.
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1217. demiourgos -- builder, maker, creator
... Cognate: 1217 (from 1218 , "a unified group of people" and 2014 , "work") -- properly,
someone working on behalf of a group of people (used only in Heb 11:10). ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1217.htm - 7k

1755. energema -- an effect, operation
... a working, an effect, operation. Cognate: 1755 (a neuter noun) -- properly,
("operations"), focusing on the of God's "energy" (power) in people living in His ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/1755.htm - 7k

4823. sumbouleuo -- to take counsel together, advise
... a resolute plan") -- properly, to consult (counsel) together, like when people plan
something ... to the God -- showing eternal Persons of the Godhead working in ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4823.htm - 7k

Standing with the People
... their fathers and the hope of a good time coming; no costly rugs to carpet the way
of the King, but the sweat-stained garments of working people and branches ...
/.../rauschenbusch/the social principles of jesus/chapter iii standing with the.htm

Possessing, and "Working Out. "
... Many people are working and working, as Rowland Hill says, like children on a rocking
horse"it is a beautiful motion, but there is no progress. ...
/.../moody/sovereign grace/chapter iii possessing and working.htm

The Kingdom of God and Your Part in It
... London. They went to a district in the East End"a God-forsaken and sunken
place, occupied for miles entirely by working people. They ...
/.../stones rolled away and other addresses to young men/vi the kingdom of god.htm

A Life for a Life
... London. They went to a district in the East End, a God-forsaken, sunken
place, entirely occupied for miles by working people. They ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/a life for a life/a life for a life.htm

In the Homes of the People
... over her ability to manage them; the ward sergeants of her working of the ... over her
interest in the papers and magazines; the young people's workers remember ...
/.../carpenter/the angel adjutant of twice born men/ix in the homes of.htm

The Two-Fold Aspect of the Divine Working
... THE PROVERBS THE TWO-FOLD ASPECT OF THE DIVINE WORKING. ... People speak of future rewards
and punishments as if they were given and inflicted by simple and divine ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the two-fold aspect of the.htm

A Ruler who Wronged his People
... He also built the throne-hall where he judged the people. ... man was industrious, he
placed him over all the men of the tribe of Joseph who were working for the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/a ruler who wronged his.htm

Some of God's Failures.
... and bird; and in the midst of all God Himself walking and working in closest ... The
main purpose of Israel being made God's peculiar people has failed up to the ...
/.../gordon/quiet talks with world winners/some of gods failures.htm

The Death of Christ for his People
... thy conversion; recollect thy preservation, and how God's grace hath been working
upon thee ... last farthing; I have given it all up for my people's ransom." And ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 46 1900/the death of christ for.htm

The Scattering of the People
... in the world; we have seen that it tells about nations and people who were ... He has
been very patient and industrious for many months past, working early and late ...
/.../duff/the bible in its making/chapter v the scattering of.htm

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