Core Value: Unity
The world has never been more divided than it is right now. Political ideologies, culture wars, and other polarizing topics have broken up families and split apart friends. Sadly, the church is not immune to the division either.
Jesus says in the 3rd chapter of the gospel of Matthew, “Repent for the kingdom of God is near.” Jesus was declaring that there is something bigger going on than just what is before our eyes, and that God’s kingdom supersedes anything on this earth. In God’s kingdom the playing field is leveled because while we’re all image bearers of our Creator, we are also all in need of grace.
Because of this, there is no need to push or assert or grasp for power and influence.
The church is called to be united, even in the midst of our differences and diversity. This comes with recognizing that no one is perfect and embodying the humility of Christ by desiring the good of others. It is through our unity, motivated by love, that shows the world who Jesus truly is. That was Jesus’ ultimate prayer for us prior to his crucifixion.
“Therefore if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any common sharing in the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” (Philippians 2:1-4)
God loved us first (1 John 4:19) and He demonstrated his love by this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us (Romans 5:8). If we truly grasp the significance of this, our only response should be to love others with that same humility and selflessness.
At The Dwelling, our heart is to be known for our sacrificial love and genuine regard for others. It is only in this pasture that we find joy, peace, and maturity.