The word “covenant” is woven throughout the Bible. It expresses the possibility of intimacy with God. God enters into a relationship with humanity which includes the divine promise of care and protection as long as the human partner remains faithful. The history of Israel (and we can add the subsequent history of the Church) can be characterized as God calling the people back to fidelity to the covenant relationship. Humanity claims the divine benefit but doesn’t always live up to its half of the bargain. We as believers are in a relationship with God. Our responsibility in the relationship is to “be compassionate as your heavenly Father is compassionate.” Because of our relationship with God we must be kind and forgiving and generous and just.
