Covenant Review and Discernment
WEEK 4
January 26 - February 1, 2025
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Covenant Review and Discernment
WEEK 4
January 26 - February 1, 2025
Download Links:
I. Introduction
II. Our Covenant
Paragraph 3, Statements 1-3
We know that in order for us to be truly a community, a people of one mind and heart in our response to the Lord, we must serve and care for our brothers and sisters in Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon Community, and we must understand and accept those things which make our life as one body possible. We know that we must meet together when the community meets. We must respect and support the pattern and order of our life together.
III. In other words
God cherishes orderliness and harmony in all that He creates. He knows that some structures are necessary for a community to live its calling and to pursue its mission. The patterns and order of our common life are there to serve the purposes of our being a community united in love.
In the Ligaya, we place a very high value on our interpersonal relationships. For this reason, we have a pastoral care system that ensures that each member is cared for and served well.
Attendance in gatherings and activities is vital because it is through being fully present there that we get to know one another, get connected with each other more meaningfully, and where our relationships as brothers and sisters grow deeper.
We have particular patterns and order in expressing our God-centered way of life --- be it in discerning one’s vocation, in marriage and family, in our approach to service or mission, in stewardship of our gifts and resources, or in accepting our leaders’ governing role over the community as a whole.
IV. In God’s Word
Discernment is not just about knowing what to choose or decide. It is about being transformed from the inside out by the Spirit of God. With God’s guidance through His Word to us in Scriptures and the Holy Spirit who leads us to all truth, let Him grant us a deeper appreciation of why we do what we do in living our Covenant individually and as a body.
1. Read these Scripture passages reflectively and take to heart God’s Word to the Ligaya:
John 15: 12-17 Love one another
1 Corinthians 1:10 Be united in mind and purpose
1 Peter 1:22 Love from a pure heart
1 Thessalonians 5: 12-15 Love and respect leaders
Hebrews 10:24-25 Faithfulness in gatherings
Hebrews 13:7,17 Cooperate with your leaders
1 Corinthians 14:33,40 A God of order and peace
Acts 2: 42-47 Rhythms of Community Life
2. Ask the Lord for the grace of understanding and a deep appreciation of His purposes for the Ang Ligaya ng Panginoon as revealed in these Scripture texts. Listen to the Holy Spirit with a new openness.
V. In my own words
1. I want to become a man/woman of love and peace this Jubilee Year. If I (or we) have not yet made a closure or reconciliation in a hurting relationship in community, I desire to move forward by reaching out to that brother/sister in humble and loving dialogue.
2. How faithful have I been in attending assemblies, gatherings, meetings, and other important activities that support our community life?
And when I am there, do I try my best to be “fully, actively present”?
What can I promise to the Lord and to the community from now on?
3. How have I personally experienced community care through our pastoral leaders?
How honest have I been with my pastoral leader regarding good order in my life? (personal life, family life, vocation, work/studies, service, etc.)