Rules of the Road

How we treat one another is probably the most discussed topic of scripture.  Even individual holiness requirements often have social impact.  It always boils down to love, right?  “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Anyone who does not love does not know God, because God is love.” (1 John 4:7-8)  However, if it were that simple, there would probably be a lot less Bible.  Sometimes, we need examples, specifics, on what love feels like, looks like, sounds like.  Thankfully, we have it in Jesus and in so much of God’s word, but it never hurts to be clear about expectations. 

The Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in the United States and Canada has ethical guidelines that lay out our expectations of one another.  They include:
A. We will treat one another with courtesy and kindness. We will endeavor to maintain an attitude of Christian love in all our relationships.
B. We will welcome the expression of differing viewpoints and will seek to create an atmosphere of trust and confidence that will encourage free discussion.
C. We will seek to keep confidences and will refrain from gossip. We will seek in all we do and say to strengthen character and dignify personality.
D. We will remember that our personal conduct gives evidence of our sincerity and reflects upon the good name of the Church, the Body of Christ.
(You can read more here: https://www.discipleshomemissions.org/wp-content/uploads/2012/10/SC-EthicalGuidelines.pdf )
What might change if you wrote a code of conduct for your relationships or your household?  How might the conversation help those relationships?