Community Living

PRINCIPLES FOR LIVING IN COMMUNITY AND SERVING TOGETHER

Revelation of righteousness

The gospel is a revelation of God’s righteousness. This righteousness is a gift to His people. We are called to be holy. Our life and service as a community must reflect this. “For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men. It teaches us to say ‘No’ to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age, while we wait for the blessed hope—the glorious appearing of our great God and Saviour, Jesus Christ”. (Titus 2:11-13) We have been given the capacity to choose righteousness by the grace of God.

Relationship of love

The gospel is a demonstration of the love of God. “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” (Romans 5:8) Community life is defined by the love of the Father. Our behaviour is to be governed by love. Love is willing to sacrifice for the best interest of the other person even if they do not deserve it.

Responsibility as individuals in community

We are responsible to live out the principle of righteousness and relationship in a way that builds one another up, draws us closer to God and enables us to witness fruitfully. “Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will in all things grow up into him who is the Head, that is, Christ. From Him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.” (Ephesians 4:15 -16)