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.  I will graciously and patiently pursue growth and change, individually and corporately.
I realize that following Jesus means that change and growth are necessary. I will actively seek to follow Jesus and help others to do so.

  • Romans 8:29 “For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son, in order that he might be the firstborn among many brothers.”

  • James 1:22 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”
2.  I will serve alongside others for the good of CBC and our community.
I agree to serve my church body and those in need in my community regularly.

  • 1 Corinthians 12:4-7 “Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.”

  • 1 Peter 4:10-11 “As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.”
3.  I will build up the body and other people with my words and in conversations.
I agree to build others up and not tear others down.

  • Romans 15:2 “Let each of us please his neighbor for his good, to build him up.”

  • Ephesians 4:29 “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear.”
4.  I will practice forbearance and overlook minor offenses.
I agree to patiently hang in there with other people and let the small stuff slide.

  • Proverbs 19:11 “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offense.”

  • Ephesians 4:2–3 “With all humility and gentleness, with patience, bear with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
5.  I will talk directly with others rather than talking about others.
This means I will not share with others that which I should say directly to another person. I agree to 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 “You shall not go around as a slanderer among your people, and you shall not stand up against the life of your neighbor: I am the Lord.”

  • Matt. 18:15–16 “If your brother sins against you, go and tell him his fault, between you and him alone. If he listens to you, you have gained your brother. But if he does not listen, take one or two others along with you, that every charge may be established by the evidence of two or three witnesses.”
6.  I will pursue reconciliation in my conflict with others, seeking and offering forgiveness, and whenever possible, resolving the issues that caused our conflict.
I agree to do everything in my power to heal broken relationships and keep short accounts with others.

  • Ephesians 4:32 “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.”

  • Colossians 3:12-13 “Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
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.