4 Core Christian Values

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Have Faith - Love - Learn - Work (Let Your Light Shine)

Have Faith: Jesus said, Faith can move mountains (Mt 21:21).

What is faith? Faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of the unseen (Heb 11:1). 

Why is faith very important? Without faith it is impossible to please God (Heb 11:6). Not by might or power, but by God’s spirit (Zech 4:6). Blessed are those who trust and hope in the Lord. They will be like a tree planted near water. They will not fear the heat or drought. Their leaves will be green and they will not cease bearing fruit (Jer 17:7-8).  Faith helps us with caring and courage to do what is right. 

How can we increase our faith? Faith comes by hearing the word of God (Ro 10:17). Trust God with all your heart. Don’t lean on your own understanding. Acknowledge God in all your ways and He will direct your path (Pro 3:5-6).

Love: Jesus said, Love God and love people (Mt 22:37-40). 

What is love? Love endures suffering and is kind. It doesn’t envy and is not arrogant. It doesn’t behave badly and is not demanding or easily angered, and doesn’t think evil. Love doesn’t rejoice in iniquity but rejoices in truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes in all things, and endures all things. Love never fails (1 Cor 13). Nothing can separate us from God’s love through Jesus (Ro 8:38-39).

Why is love very important? For those who love God, all things work together for good (Ro 8:28). Jesus said, to love, is the greatest commandment (Mt 22:37-40). Love is attractive and could get more people interested in Jesus (Mk 16:15-16). Do to other people as you want them to do to you (Mt 7:12). Most people naturally want to treat other people how they are treated. 

How can we love better? Commit to loving actions in 1 Corinthians 13. Increase faith in God. Sometimes it is hard to love, because we have anxiety about being taken advantage of, or it will lead to bad outcomes. We should balance love with truth (Jn 1:17) and speak the truth in love (Eph 4:15). A soft answer turns away wrath but a harsh word angers (Pro 15:1). Let all things be done in love (1 Cor 16:14). 

Learn: Jesus said, We don’t live on food alone, but on every word of God (Mt 4:4). 

What is learning? Learning is seeking true knowledge, understanding, and wisdom. The truth will set you free (Jn 8:32) and it allows us to use our time well (Ecc 8:5). Wisdom: Jesus said, We don’t live on food alone, but on every word of God (Mt 4:4). Let the wise hear and increase in learning (Pro 1:5). Basic knowledge is knowing who people are (traits, background, values and beliefs), or what and why things do what they do. Understanding is knowing how people, or things, interact with others, in specific situations. 

Why is learning very important? Blessed are those who get wisdom, as it can help with our life, health, honor, and wealth (Pro 3:13). Desire without knowledge is not good (Pro 19:2). Jesus said we would have troubles, but with his teaching, and some courage, we can have peace in him, knowing he overcame the world (Jn 16:33). Meaningful wisdom helps to increase our faith and love and work better.

How can we learn better? Be humble (Pro 11:2), God gives wisdom (Jas 1:5), but opposes the proud (Jas 4:6). Read the Bible (2 Tim 3:16) and other books (Pro 23:23). Learn from wise people (Pro 27:17). Take your thoughts captive (2 Cor 10:5). Think on important topics (Php 4:8). Be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger (Jas 1:19). Being slow to anger gives understanding (Pro 14:29). Do not be conformed to the world, be transformed by renewing your mind (Ro 12:2).

Work: Jesus said, Let your light shine so people may see your good works and give glory to God (Mt 5:16). 

What is work? Each has received a gift, to serve people, as good stewards of God’s varied grace (1 Pt 4:10). We all have specific gifts (in body, heart, or mind) to help other people (Ro 12:4-8). Work as unto the Lord (Col 3:23). Abound in the work of the Lord (1 Cor 15:58).

Why is work very important? Faith without work is dead (Jas 2:18). Show me faith without work, and I will show faith by work (Jas 2:20). 

How can we work better? Think ahead (Pro 4:25). Count the cost (Lk 14:28). Plan (Pro 21:5). Learn (Pro 11:14). Have faith (Mk 11:22).