The more we speak about maturing and growing in our spirituality, the more I see us being called to action! One of the most beautiful things about the Gospel – the Good News – is that it can/will look like so many different things! There isn’t just one way to live out and experience the Gospel. Good News to me might look a little different to me than it does to you…
Even though it might be a bit of a silly example, I love chocolate a lot. One day, I was at work and praying for a special treat because it was just one of those days that required a sugary energy boost. Not only did someone randomly bring me chocolate to the front desk I worked… Our vending machine was changed that day and I went home with a bag of M&Ms (original and peanut) and Reese’s Pieces! That vending machine guy who gave me all the leftover chocolates, whether he intended to or not, showed me what Good News can look like – what love in action could be like!
Of course to a diabetic this would have been terrible news!! So God showing a diabetic about over-the-top provision will look different.
And yet, there are certain characteristics which will always help determine this Kingdom way of Life. As different as the practical, in action Gospel may look, there will always be threads of mercy and grace, peace that passes all understanding, love that invites each of us in. Those who are cast aside are sought out and brought back into community. Those who have been squashed and silenced are pulled higher and given a voice!
This Kingdom way of life makes no sense to most places in this world. It is so desperately needed by each and every human on this planet because it is the love and peace, freedom and forgiveness we yearn for and fall apart without! The lasting hope we need to make it through the heart aches and breaks we face is found in the Kingdom of God. The limitless grace and enduring acceptance we try to convince ourselves doesn’t exist, is alive and well in the Kingdom of God. Love that never leaves or judges or gives up is within every, single interaction!
We get to know these things not only for the benefit and fulfillment they bring to our own lives but also so that we can share them with others. The apostle Paul makes it very clear and very easy to understand what the Love of those who belong to this Kingdom is meant to look like.
Love must be sincere.
Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.
Be devoted to one another in love.
Honour one another above yourselves.
Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.
Live in harmony with one another.
Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position.
Do not be conceited.Do not repay anyone evil for evil.
Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written:
“It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
R O M A N S 1 2 : 9 – 2 1
Help us, show us and guide us as we learn to do these things, God. As we learn more and more about putting our love into action. Jesus thank you for showing us what Love looks like! Holy Spirit bring to mind people we can be rejoicing with and others with whom we can mourn. Give us the courage to be part of bringing your Kingdom, here and now, on earth as it is in Heaven. Amen.