Biblical Guidelines for Interpersonal Relationships: - Hope Evangelical Free Church, Storm Lake, IA

Biblical Guidelines for Interpersonal Relationships

As Christians committed to God’s Word, we will follow Scriptural guidelines in our personal relationships with one another. When there are personal differences, complaints and criticisms between believers, we will expect each other to follow scriptural guidelines to resolve these personal difficulties.

The following guidelines reflect our understanding of the principles found in the following scriptural passages: Matthew 5:23-26; 18:15-17; Ephesians 4:14-32; Colossians 3:12-14; James 3:13-18; 5:16-20.

When I have an issue with someone or they have offended me, I need to tell them directly.
When an acquaintance has an issue with someone or has been offended, I will tell them that they must speak directly with the person who offended them.
If that first discussion has not led to reconciliation, I will ask a church leader to assist in a second discussion.
When I know I have hurt, sinned against, or offended someone, I will confess the wrong and ask forgiveness.
When confession is made and forgiveness is asked, I will forgive.
If a group or a person has a need to discuss decisions made by church leaders, as leaders, they are to directly discuss it with those leaders.
Information received second hand should not be treated as valid until it is confirmed by a direct source. When people bring information that they expect someone to act upon, ask them these two questions. “Is this information you heard or that you saw yourself?” And “May I quote you as my source?” If the questions cannot be answered “yes” then action cannot be taken. Information that is not confirmed by a direct source can easily become gossip and rumor.
People who circulate a petition to get leaders to change a policy or decision without first talking directly to the leaders are out of order. Such petitions should be discounted and the action addressed as improper.
All of us will encourage direct communication, resist indirect communication, and promote quickly confessing wrongs and offering each other forgiveness.
I will keep confidential discussion confidential.

We believe that these scriptural communication patterns will increase understanding and trust and they will assist us in our other decisions. We also believe our decisions must be scriptural, and in accordance with our constitution and by-laws.