Our Relational Covenant

Preface
Jesus Christ, the head of the body, calls his disciples to love one another as he has loved us. This Biblical covenant for living together in Christian community is designed to give practical guidelines to build godly relationships with one another and maintain the unity of the body.
1.  Pursue reconciliation in my conflict with others, seeking and offering forgiveness, and whenever possible, resolving the issues that caused our conflict.
I will do everything in my power to heal broken relationships and keep short accounts with others.

  Matthew 5:23–24; 6:14; Luke 6:37; 1 Corinthians 1:10; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12-13
2.  Practice forbearance and overlook minor offenses.
I will patiently hang in there with other people and let the small stuff slide.

  Proverbs 17:9; 19:11; Romans 15:7; Ephesians 4:2–3; Colossians 3:13
3.  Talk directly with each other rather than talking about one another.  This means I will not share with others that which I should say directly to another person.
I will be open and honest in my relationships. I will shoot straight with other people and not go behind another person’s back.

  Leviticus 19:16; Proverbs 26:20–22; Matthew 18:15–16; 2 Corinthians 12:20; James 4:1–2
4.  Build up the body and other people in my words and conversations.
I will build others up and not tear others down.

  Romans 14:19; 15:2; 1 Corinthians 13:4–7; Ephesians 4:29; James 5:9
By God’s grace, I agree to practice these principles in my relationships with the people of Crossroads Bible Church.  I want others to encourage and support me in living these commitments, and I will do the same for them.