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A Spiritual Culture
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The Six Principles
The culture of a community finds its basis in what the people worship. When a spiritual family roots their hearts, minds, and spirits in the one true God, they will seek to relate to one another in a way that reflects the heart, mind, and spirit of God. Practicing these six principles can help create a foundation for each person to give the gift of themself in love and receive the gift of others with love.
Right speechTone and word choice can preserve someone’s sense of their gift of self:
Use words to encourage each other on your individual faith journeys. Advocate for each other, and avoid accusations. Always assume the best intentions of the other person. Avoid jumping to conclusions and judgements, or gossiping about other’s actions. Pray in goodwill for those who hurt you and meet them again with words of patience and a disposition of forgiveness.GratitudeAppreciation, even if it doesn’t match your preference, recognizes that all we have is a gift from God and receives another’s gift of self:Begin taking notice of the true, good, and beautiful moments you encounter as evidence of God's presence and love for you. Even vocalize out loud when you see or experience one of these blessings. Again and again, hope and trust that God provides for all your needs. Hold each other gently accountable not to complain or give into despair over what you want but don't have (but encourage each other to share your desires with God, who cares deeply about them).HonorActs or attitudes of respect communicate that another’s gift of self is “good” and resembles a characteristic of God:Be obedient to those in authority. Acknowledge those who come into the room with a smile and a greeting, and take care how you present yourself in the company of others. Publicly or privately honor a person on a special occasion, and show care and interest for what is important to others. Avoid degrading other people with your words or actions.Reliability & KindnessConsistency and integrity builds trust and shows respect for another’s gift of self:If you commit to something, follow through on your agreement to the other person. Give your full attention in conversation, without making the other feel like an inconvenience. When you see a need, offer your time and a helping hand. And remember that small but profound kindnesses and courtesies are the glue that carries relationships through inevitable trials.Repairing RelationshipsRestoration fosters unity between the giving and receiving of each other’s gift of self:If you have wronged someone:(1) Honesty: Humbly acknowledge your mistake to the person(2) Renunciation: State your resolution to learn and not repeat it(3) Reconciliation: Ask whomever you have hurt for forgiveness(4) Restitution: Even if it is a small but intentional act, decide if there is something you can do to “make it right”Should someone come to you for reconciliation, pray for the grace to grant them forgiveness in that moment without conditions attached.Family & CelebrationTogetherness forms, protects, and values each unique gift of self:Submit your family life and everything in it to the Lord, then see what kind of a transformation and culture takes shape. Value intimacy and find rest in the familiar presence of each other. Remember that in-person, shared experiences build memories and a strong sense of belonging. Establish traditions that pass on the faith and spiritual culture. Celebrate, especially in hardship, because God loves us and has given us one another as companions.
Original concept comes from Living the Gospel as a Way of Life by James R. Jones and Gabriel Meyer. Used with permission
The Spiritual Family Methodology by Annie Buehnerkemper© 2026 Our Spiritual Family Ministries. All Rights Reserved.