Our values: 1st part

By: Dr. Bruno Molina, Executive Director of the RBH

In Christian ethics, the values by which a believer lives mean living according to God's desires and in accordance with what the Bible teaches. In light of this definition, in the coming months, I will be explaining the values of the Hispanic Baptist Network.

These are the qualities that we consider desirable as a means to realize our vision and fulfill our mission. We believe that fulfilling our mission while manifesting these values honors God and brings Him glory.

Our values are expressed through the C.R.I.S.T.O. (Christ) acronym: Clear communication, Respect, Integrity, Sound doctrine, Cross-cultural work, and Perpetual prayer.

The C in CRISTO stands for "clear communication." Dr. Daniel Sánchez, who supervised my doctoral thesis, always said: "Do not write to be understood, write so that you have to be understood." In other words, write in such a way that everyone can understand what you want to say.

Clear communication is essential in life and in ministry if we want to say what we think, feel what we say, and achieve what we set out to do. The Word of God calls us to speak the truth in love so that "we may grow up in all things into Him who is the head—Christ." (Ephesians 4:15).

Our growth in likeness to Christ and mutual edification require clear communication, but "with love." This can only happen when that communication is also truthful; otherwise, it will not be true or loving.

James 1:19 says: "So then, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath." I believe God tells us this because when we are slow to hear and quick to speak, we are quick to get angry.

Ultimately, communication that does not consider how others understand our words can easily cause confusion and anger.

I have heard people quote the title of Ben Shapiro's book, Facts Don't Care About Your Feelings, to point out that, although the truth may sometimes feel bad, it remains true because our feelings do not determine what is true.

However, this does not justify being blunt when telling the truth. We must still do it "in love" and reflecting Ephesians 4:29 which says, "Let no corrupt word proceed out of your mouth, but what is good for necessary edification, that it may impart grace to the hearers" (NKJV-2015).

Let us communicate clearly, honestly, and with love for the glory of God!