Module 6
Relationships at Work: Grace and Boundaries
“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.” — Romans 12:18
Lesson
What You Will Learn
- Build positive relationships with coworkers of all backgrounds
- Avoid gossip, cliques, and office drama
- Set healthy personal boundaries at work
- Respond to conflict with grace
Lesson Notes
Peace as Far as It Depends on You
Romans 12:18 is realistic: you cannot control everyone, but you can control your part. Be friendly, helpful, and respectful to all coworkers, including those who are different from you in background, age, faith, or culture.
Avoiding Office Drama
Gossip, cliques, and complaining spread quickly. Refuse to repeat stories, change the subject, and speak well of people who aren't present. Be known as someone safe.
Healthy Boundaries
Boundaries protect your work and your well-being: keep personal problems mostly private at work, don't lend money to coworkers, avoid romantic relationships with supervisors or direct coworkers, and be cautious about sharing your full story too soon. Friendly does not mean overly familiar.
Grace in Conflict
Use the CALM steps from BTO 102. Assume good intent when possible. Forgive quickly, and address real problems directly and privately (Matthew 18:15).
Key Terms
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Boundary | A limit that protects your well-being and work |
| Office drama | Gossip, cliques, and conflict that disrupt work |
| Assume good intent | Interpreting others' actions charitably |
In-Class Activities
Boundary or Not?
Decide whether each is a healthy boundary: declining to lend money; not sharing your conviction history in the break room; refusing to help a new coworker; declining to date your supervisor; ignoring a coworker you dislike.
Gossip Exit Lines
Write three polite ways to exit or redirect gossip.
Assignment: Relationship Plan
Write a half-page plan: how you will build positive relationships in your first month, three boundaries you will keep, and how you will handle a coworker you find difficult.
Graded with the Module Assignment Rubric.
Reflection Journal
Romans 12:18 asks us to live at peace as far as it depends on us. Which relationships in your life right now need more grace, and which need firmer boundaries?
Prayer focus: Ask God for grace toward others and wisdom about boundaries.
Weekly Reading & Devotions
Peace, As Much as It Depends on You
Romans 12:18 is refreshingly realistic: If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men. You can't control everyone, but you can control your part.
At work, your part includes being kind to everyone, including people very different from you; refusing to join gossip; speaking well of people who aren't in the room; and addressing problems directly and privately.
Your part also includes boundaries. Friendly doesn't mean overly familiar. Keep personal problems mostly private at work. Don't lend money to coworkers. Avoid romantic relationships with supervisors or close coworkers. Be thoughtful about when and with whom you share your story.
Grace and boundaries are not opposites. Jesus was full of grace and also withdrew when He needed to, said no to requests, and spoke truth plainly. Healthy relationships need both.
Think About It
- Which relationships need more grace? ______________________
- Which need firmer boundaries? ______________________
- How will you handle gossip at work? ______________________
Daily Devotions for Week 6
Live Peaceably
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.— Romans 12:18 (KJV)
Do your part to keep peace.
Reflect: Where can you make peace this week?
Pray: Lord, make me a peacemaker.
Do: Do one kind thing for a difficult person.
Guard Your Heart
Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.— Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)
Boundaries guard the heart.
Reflect: What boundary do you need?
Pray: Lord, help me guard my heart.
Do: Say no to one thing that isn't healthy.
Go Privately
Go and tell him his fault between thee and him alone.— Matthew 18:15 (KJV)
Address problems directly and privately, not through gossip.
Reflect: Is there someone you need to talk with privately?
Pray: Lord, give me courage for honest conversations.
Do: Plan one private, respectful conversation.
Speak Well of Others
To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.— Titus 3:2 (KJV)
Gentle speech about others builds trust.
Reflect: Whom do you tend to speak poorly of?
Pray: Lord, make my speech gentle.
Do: Speak well of someone who isn't present.
Full of Grace and Truth
Full of grace and truth.— John 1:14 (KJV)
Jesus balanced grace and truth perfectly.
Reflect: Do you lean more toward grace or toward truth?
Pray: Lord, make me full of grace and truth.
Do: Tell someone a hard truth gently.
Module Quiz
- 1.
Romans 12:18 asks us to:
- 2.
Which is a healthy boundary?
- 3.
Matthew 18:15 teaches to address problems:
- 4.
Being friendly means sharing everything about your personal life.
- 5.
Write one polite way to exit gossip.