We all long for deep connection where we can be known without performing and loved without fear. Biblical submission, as described in Ephesians 5:21, means voluntarily ordering ourselves out of reverence for Christ, not fear of people. The difference between contracts and covenants is crucial - contracts say 'I'll give as long as you give,' while covenants say 'I give because I have already been given to.' Grace must come before commands because God's empowering presence enables us to fulfill His instructions. Love is learned through walking in Christ's example, not something we fall into. This cruciform love applies to all relationships - marriage, singleness, friendships, and community - where we practice self-giving love because we are already loved by God.

Resources:

Discussion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Becoming-One_-Week-1_-Covenant-Love-in-a-Contract-World-Discussion-Guide.pdf

5-Day Devotional: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Becoming-One_-Week-1_-Covenant-Love-in-a-Contract-World.pdf

Fear often disguises itself as wisdom, convincing us we're being realistic when we're actually holding back from God's calling. Through the parable of the minas, we see how fear creates a distorted view of God as harsh and demanding, leading us to bury our gifts instead of multiplying them. The fearful servant preserved his mina but produced nothing, while the faithful servants took risks and saw multiplication. When we understand that God's love isn't conditional on our performance, we're freed from the fear of failure. Our identity becomes secure in His grace, allowing us to take risks not to earn His love, but because we already have it.

Resources: 5-Day Devotional: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Fears-That-Form-Us_-Week-3_-Failure-5-Day-Devotional.pdf Discussion Guide: https://chapinccc.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/The-Fears-That-Form-Us_-Week-3_-Failure-Discussion-Guide.pdf