Statement of Character
At Living Hope, we understand the importance of holding correct biblical beliefs. However, we also recognise that the renewing of our minds is intended to lead us to live an increasingly godly and righteous life full of the fruit of the spirit.
The following values outline the fundamental characteristics of a disciple of Jesus and provide a way of life that all Christians, as they walk in step with God’s spirit, should aspire to.
Loving - There is no quality that more holistically defines a Christian than Love. Jesus himself teaches that the greatest commandments are to love God and to love our neighbour as ourselves. We are called to live a life of love, just as Christ loved by giving up his life for us. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres."
Righteous/Obedient - The one who is righteous is the one who does what is right. Doing right by God and by others should be our goal in everything we do. Knowing that it is God who defines what is right and wrong, we strive to submit to his ways and live a life that is in obedience to his commands.
Joyful/Hopeful - Living out our lives as God’s children, we seek to live a life full of Hope and Joy. As we constantly look forward to, and hope for, the day of God’s glorious Kingdom, we are strengthened to be joyful in all that we do. Even though we may face many trials, we know that our present struggles aren’t worth comparing to the glory that awaits us.
Peaceful - We seek to be peacemakers in our relationships with all people. Knowing that true peace comes with knowing God and Christ, we want to foster harmony and unity in all our interactions, drawing people to God and Christ through our actions.
Self-controlled/Pure - Learning to be self-controlled and to resist the temptation to do wrong, is a challenge every Christian faces. We must manage our thoughts, emotions, and actions and choose to focus on Christ and his ways in every moment so that we can keep ourselves unstained from the world and walk in holiness in all aspects of our lives.
Meek/Humble - With Jesus as our example, we strive to esteem others as greater than ourselves. Not asserting our own will and desires, but humbly submitting our lives to God, who provides us with all things, we want to serve and build up others just as our Lord Jesus came to serve and not be served.
Merciful/Forgiving: Being merciful means actively extending compassion and forgiveness to others. We want to mirror God's own merciful nature, by choosing to let go of resentment and anger even when someone has wronged you, following the teaching to "be merciful, just as your Father (God) is merciful". (Luke 6:36).
Faithful/Steadfast: To be faithful and steadfast means to be completely loyal and unwavering in our commitment to God. We strive to obey His commandments and hold fast to his promises, even during challenging times, demonstrating consistent devotion and trust in Him regardless of circumstances.
Repentant: To be repentant is to feel deeply remorseful for our sins and to then actively turn away from them, seeking to live a life that aligns with God's will. Leaving our old ways behind and committing to a new direction in our actions, driven by a desire to be closer to God and Christ.