General Rule of Discipleship   To witness to Jesus Christ in the world, and to follow his teachings through acts of compassion, justice, worship and devotion, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. -- John Wesley   Preamble   As one saved by grace through my faith in Christ Jesus and desiring to love My Lord with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, I hereby dedicate myself as a living sacrifice, which is my reasonable service.  I will no longer be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of my mind through God's Word; but thinking soberly according to the faith I've received from God I will seek to love my neighbor as myself.  I will walk worthy of the vocation wherewith I have been called with all lowliness and meekness, with longsuffering, forbearing my sisters in love; endeavouring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.  For there is one body, and one Spirit, even as I am called in one hope of my calling; one Lord, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who is above all, and through all, and in us all.  I will endeavor to use my time and talents that God has blessed me with to carry out the General Rule of Discipleship for the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ:  till we all come in the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, unto a perfect man, unto the measure of the stature of the fulness of Christ:  that we henceforth be no more children, tossed to and fro, and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the sleight of men, and cunning craftiness, whereby they lie in wait to deceive;  But speaking the truth in love, may grow up into him in all things, which is the head, even Christ:  From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love. This I say therefore, and testify in the Lord by His grace alone.   Clauses   Acts of Compassion (Mercy-Outward) I will reach outside of myself to at least one other person each week who the Lord lays upon my heart. (James 2:16) I will faithfully communicate with and pray for my prayer partner.  (Ephesians 6:18; Philippians 4:6; Jude 20-21) I will assume no offense was meant in any event that I am apt to take offense. (Matthew 7:1-5,12)   Acts of Justice (Mercy-Outward) When I am aware of injustice to others, and the infringment of Christian rights, I will not remain silent.  (Mark 8:38) When I have been offended by a sister, I will follow Biblical guidelines for restoration and forgiveness.  (Matthew 18:15-17,21-22; 5:44)   Acts of Devotion (Piety-Inward) I will pray and meditate on God's Word each day.  (Psalm 55:17; Psalm 119:15; 1 Timothy 4:15) I will give back to the Lord as He blesses me.  (2 Corinthians 9:7; Acts 20:35) I will seek to spend one day a month alone with my Lord.  (Psalm 37:7; Psalm 116:7) I will seek to spend one day a month fasting as the Lord directs me.  (Matthew 6:16-21; Matthew 17:19-21;  Acts 14:13; 1 Corinthians 7:5)   Acts of Worship (Piety-Inward) I will fellowship regularly with other Christians as I am able.  (Hebrews 10:25) I will offer up praise and thanksgiving to my Lord regularly.  (Psalm 116:17-19) I will post to the group at least once every two weeks.  (Hebrews 10:25) I will do my best to meet at least once a month in online chat as the Lord enables me.  (Ephesians 5:19-21; 6:8; Colossians 3:15-17; Jude 20)   Spiritual Promptings and Warnings I will pray and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit before I speak or act.  (John 14:26) I will evaluate my promptings against God's Word to be sure they are from Him. (2 Timothy 2:15; 1 John 4:1; Acts 17:10,11) At any time, if I feel led to leave this group, I will notify the moderator and agree to pray for one week before making a final decision.  (Proverbs 3:5,6; Matthew 6:33)     Conclusion   I hereby make this covenant with the members of VirtuousWomen with the assurance that God is leading me to this group, and to be held accountable by these sisters.  I am trusting in God to strengthen and enable me to abide by this covenant as long as He leads me to continue as a member.     Scriptures used to form preamble:  Luke 10:27; Romans 12:1-3; Ephesians 4:1-6,12-17a.