64: Communicating with care (3 John 15)

Scripture Reading: 3 John 15

At the end of 3 John, there is an insight for our daily work. John adds, “Greet the friends there, each by name.” Speaking a person’s name adds further to the personal touch that John recognizes is needed in communication.

Many of us come face to face with hundreds of people in the course of our work. To some degree, we need to communicate with each of them, even if only to avoid knocking into each other in the hallway. How many of them do we know well enough to greet by name? Do you know your boss’s boss’s boss’s name? Probably. Do you know the name of the person who empties the trash in your workplace? Do you greet people by name when you are in conflict with them? Do you learn the names of newcomers to the organization who may need your help at some point? The names you bother to learn and those you don’t can reveal a lot about your level of respect and compassion for people. John cares enough to greet “each” person by name.

Prayer: Lord, I know that you know us each by name. Help me to respect everyone I come in contact with at work as one of your precious children. Amen.

For Further Exploration: Read 3 John and Work from the Theology of Work Bible Commentary.