Develop three-dimensional relationships

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another." - John 13:34 (NIV)

I went to the funeral of a work colleague’s father recently. I met my colleague’s mother, sisters, nieces, nephews, and friends from his cycling club. I learned about what sort of man his father was. We grieved together. I knew a bit about my work colleague from chatting around the office, but attending the funeral took our relationship to the next level.

Often relationships can be very shallow and superficial if we only meet a person in one context.

Have you ever bumped into an old colleague and struggled to remember their name because they are out of the context from which you know them?

When we only know someone in a work context, we are at best one-dimensional friends. If one of you left the job, the probability of maintaining the relationship would be slim. On the other hand, when you have socialised together outside of work—perhaps even meeting their other friends and family members—then the relationship has every chance of being lifelong. You are also more likely to get on to more meaningful topics, which can lead to sharing the gospel.

Stop and consider: Think of your colleagues around the office. Do you have a three-dimensional relationship with any of them? How does this affect the way that you relate and the topics of conversation?

Action: What can you do to develop three-dimensional relationships with your work colleagues or clients?