Loving Like Christ (Love Wins the Day)

Identity Statement: We are a people who love and honor others in every context.

Love wins the day. The love of God leads people to repentance, covers a multitude of sins, heals the broken soul, and shifts hostile atmospheres. “By this will all men know that we are His disciples by our love for one another” (John 13:25). This value looks like:

Belonging, Believing, Becoming (Belonging in Godly Family Leads to Life)

• Scriptures: John 13:34-35; 1 Co. 13:1-8a; 1 John 4:7-11, 17-19.
• Expressed love and affirmation creates secure love-bonded attachments. If these attachments are with mature God-fearing people, this leads to godly character formation. Immature fear-based attachments create maturity gaps in the life of a believer.
• Some people need to belong before they believe. Rather than judge people outside the church, we love, serve, and speak life to them, hoping that they will soon embrace the truth of Father’s love. God calls us to love ALL people.

Relational Honor (Honor is the Relational Currency of Heaven)

• Scriptures: 1 Sam. 2:30; Jn 5:19-23;Rom 12:10; 1 Ti 5:17-19; 1 Co 12:18-28; Mt 10:40-41.
• Honor affirms value and attracts inheritance. Honor respects the gifts and calling of people regardless of their current actions. It sees the best, gives preference, values, trusts, and calls forth life. Honor heals crushed souls and awakens the spirit to God’s voice. Honor gives permission to rise into one’s full potential and be great. Honor is demonstrated through consistent respect in word and action toward those we lead, follow, love, and disagree. 
• Though all are equally loved by God, we are not equally empowered by God or the community due to our character, God-given position, or other factors. The body of Christ is most effective when we embrace this truth while maintaining mutual honor for one another. 
• Confrontation and accountability are essential in a culture of honor. We will always address offense, concerns, and relational brokenness immediately.

Loving Unconditionally (We Love Without Expectation of Return)

• Scriptures: Rom 5:8; Eph 3:17-19; Phil 1:1-4; 1 Jn. 3:16; 4:8-10; Tit 3:4-5; 1 Co 13:4-7.
• We seek the wellbeing of other above our own needs. We even love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Lk 6:27).
• Unconditional love does not depend on someone’s actions. It is a love that depends on God alone. God loves unconditionally. Therefore, love is a life lived unconditionally toward others.
• When your heart is persuaded in the unconditional love of the Father, you are able to have hope and faith in all things and move forward as a radical follower of Christ.
• Perfect love casts out fear, covers a multitude of sins, and calls forth the best in people.
• His love governs how we interact with all people. Love is the reason Christ came.
• The Father’s love keeps us from focusing on sin or hiding in shame if we fail.

Forgiveness is Non-Negotiable (Jesus Forgave All, So Must We)

• Scriptures: Mt 6:14; Jn 20:23; 2 Co 2:7-10; Eph. 4:32; Col 3:13; Gal 6:1-5.
• Forgiving others spares us from the consequences of living out of an unforgiving heart.
• Jesus forgave all who asked Him for it. When we forgive on earth, we unlock heaven for ourselves and those we forgive.
• All people should have the opportunity to rebuild trust when true forgiveness occurs.

Love is Upward, Inward and Outward (We Love God, Ourselves, and Others)

• Scriptures: Jn 3:17; 13:34-35; 19:39-40; Ro 2:4; Mk 2:13-17; Dt. 6:5; Lev. 19:11; Mk 12:31.
• When we do not love ourselves, we are cursing what God has beautifully and wonderfully made. God clearly says if you love Me, you will love others (1 Jn 4:11).
• Love is giving, not simply receiving. Love must be expressed in tangible ways.