Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. 1 John 4:7
The church, as a whole, is called to be a loving church. Being a loving church encompasses two main ideas: love God and love people. Having a loving spirit is crucial to becoming a biblical, Jesus-centered church. Being a “loving” church not only means we should show love to others, but it also means we should seek to understand the everlasting love Jesus has for us.
The loving God aspect of Red Hills' vision means we are to love the Gospel and value the sacrifice Jesus made so we can live. Our entire mission is based on Jesus' commission to preach the Gospel and make disciples. Therefore, it is important, as a community, to be passionate about the Gospel. This passion is fostered by daily remembering how Jesus saved us and remaining forever thankful. Because of this passion, we will be a light in this city.
This brings us to loving people. Paul says we are to "put on love, which is the bond of perfection" (Colossians 3:14). To love people we must "put on" Christ by studying the example He set while on earth and apply it to our everyday life. Loving people requires we be submissive to the will of Christ and put all our trust in Him. This will help us grow in our personal relationship with God as well as in our relationship with each other. As we pursue such love, our community's walk with the Lord will overflow to this wonderful area of the world we have been called to serve.
- Josh Turner