The Bible, however, points to an entirely different ground for relationships, and consistently rejects the contract basis for relationships. The higher ground for relationships is that of covenant. Covenants are based on mutual loyalty and commitment rather than on one's ability to produce. Covenants are based on promises. God models covenant relationships in the Bible when He initiates covenants with humans.
Humans also make covenants with each other.
One could also look at the relationship between David and Jonathan or the relationship between Hosea and his adulterous wife Gomer. All of sudden, the crisis is not about locking the door and pulling down the shades. It is about how we are going to sing songs of praise to God side by side with our brothers and sisters after the crisis is over. If we in the church community choose covenant relationships, everything is different. Now we are family, and have a family.