Character Traits and Values of the Church
“Nurturing Christ-centered character and values to build a community of faith, compassion, and purpose.”
Here are some central character traits for the church, derived directly from the Bible:
“Love”
The most fundamental and important trait.
Description:
This is not primarily a feeling, but a determined, selfless devotion to the well-being of others. It is the defining mark of all disciples of Jesus.
Bible Verse:
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
“Unity & Harmony“
The visible outcome of love, that can be noticed among the church members.
Description:
The unity of believers with one another and with Christ is a powerful testimony to the world. It is rooted in walking all in the one Spirit.
Bible Verse:
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.“
“That all of them may be one, just as you, Father are in me and I am in you. May they also be in us so that the world may believe that you have sent me.”
“Holiness & Purity”
The calling to become like God and to be sanctified by our life to please Him.
Description:
Holiness means to be “set apart” for God. It is a process of inner cleansing and outward walking avoiding sin and conforming into the likeness of Jesus.
Bible Verses:
“But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.'”
“For those whom he foreknew he also predestined to be conformed to the image of his Son…”
Humility
The fundamental attitude of Jesus, which also applies to his followers.
Description:
Humility is not about thinking poorly of oneself, but about estimating oneself correctly, and from that, setting oneself aside to serve God and one’s neighbor.
Bible Verses:
“Do not conform to the pattern of this world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Hospitality
A practical and active form of love for one’s neighbor.
Description:
The congregation members should be hospitable both to fellow believers and to strangers.
Bible Verse:
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
Joy & Thankfulness
A supernatural attitude that is independent of circumstances and rooted in faith in Christ Jesus.
Description:
This joy is not superficial happiness, but a deep, God-given trust and an awareness of ones salvation found in Christ.
Bible Verse:
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.”
Patience & Forbearance
The ability to endure adversity and provocation steadfastly and without retaliation, until God intervenes.
Description:
Patience is an expression of strength and trust in God’s timing and justice.
Bible Verse:
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
The fruit of the Spirit is “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness…”
Truthfulness & Honesty
A lifestyle characterized by integrity and reliability.
Description:
The apostles were taught by the “Spirit of truth” (John 16:13). We have this truth and also we should live by it.
Bible Verse:
“Therefore, each of you must put off falsehood and speak truthfully to your neighbor, for we are all members of one body.”
Summary
These character traits are not a rigid set of rules to be fulfilled by one’s own strength.
The values develope in the life of an active believer who is willing to be shaped into the image of Jesus Christ.
They describe how the “new creation” in Christ becomes visible in the community of believers