Statement of Character

At Living Hope, we recognize the importance of holding correct beliefs. However, we also recognise that the renewing of our minds is intended to lead us to live a godly and righteous life and everything we do, whether in word or deed, should be done in the name of Jesus to the Glory of God.
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.

"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." (1 Corinthians 13)

Love is so much more than just a feeling of affection or fondness towards someone else. Passages like the one above show us the unconditional and self-sacrificial nature of love that we desire to show to all people, and which is nowhere more exemplified then at the Cross of Christ. God giving up his only son, and Jesus willfully giving up his life, to bring salvation to humanity shows us exactly the kind of life that we as Christians have been called to live. One that puts God and others and even our enemies before ourselves (especially) when we know it will cost us and when we would rather say no.

Joyful/Hopeful

As we live out our lives as God’s children, we strive to constantly look forward to the day of his glorious Kingdom rather than focusing on the troubles and trials of this life.  When we live in the light of this Hope, we are strengthened to be Joyful in all that we do, knowing that our present struggles aren’t worth comparing to the glory that awaits us.

Righteous/Obedient

Being righteous, means to do 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.

Self-controlled

Living self-controlled as a Christian means actively managing your thoughts, emotions, and actions by relying on the Holy Spirit to resist temptations and live according to God's will, essentially prioritizing God's control over your life rather than your own desires, and demonstrating this through disciplined behaviour in all aspects of your life; it is considered a key "fruit of the Spirit" in the Bible, signifying a transformed life through faith in Christ. 

Meek/Humble

In Christianity, being meek means to have a humble and gentle attitude, showing strength under control by not asserting one's own desires or rights, but instead prioritizing the needs and well-being of others. It also means to acknowledge that all we have is provided by God. Instead of relying on our own strength, wisdom, or righteousness, we place our trust in Him. We aim to follow Jesus, who perfectly exemplified meekness and humility, as he lived in full submission to the Father (John 5 :30.)

Merciful/Forgiving

As a Christian, being merciful and forgiving means actively extending compassion and forgiveness to others, mirroring 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 is merciful". (Luke 6:36). 

Faithful/Steadfast

To be faithful and steadfast as a Christian means to be completely loyal and unwavering in your commitment to God, following His teachings and commandments even during challenging times, demonstrating consistent devotion and trust in Him regardless of circumstances.

Repentant

To be repentant is to feel remorseful for your sins and actively turn away from them, seeking to live a life that aligns with God's will, essentially experiencing a change of heart and committing to a new direction in your actions, driven by a desire to be closer to God and Christ.

Peace and Unity

We seek to be peacemakers, promoting harmony within the body of Christ and in all our relationships (Romans 12:18, Ephesians 4:2-3). We foster a spirit of unity within our church and with other believers. We celebrate diversity and work together to build a harmonious and inclusive community, and embrace the unique gifts of each member