The Kingdom of God is not like our earthly kingdoms. Being a part of the Kingdom of God means that now I live differently than I used to. It means I live in an 'upside down' kingdom that doesn't make sense to my natural mind or even make sense to those around me. I now have a different mindset, a way of looking at the world that is counter-cultural.
Jesus said that we are to love our enemies, bless those who curse us, do good to those who hate us and pray for those who spitefully use us and persecute us.
This is not how we as humans typically act or think about those who hurt us. Blessing someone who has hurt me is not how I typically respond. I am angry. I am mad. I want to get even. I want to dwell in my hurt and pain and hold grudges. Lately I've been learning a lot about forgiveness and blessing others who I feel are doing me, or I feel have done, wrong.
If I say that I am a Jesus follower, but don't do what He says, then what's the point? Do I really follow Jesus then? Jesus says to bless, so I need to be active in blessing others, especially those who have hurt me.
More and more I want to walk in the principles of God's heavenly kingdom. What are those principles? What are the laws that govern God's kingdom? What is God's kingdom like? How does that Kingdom of God operate? I want to change my natural mode of operation into one that mirrors and reflections the way His kingdom works. I know that I can only change my mode of operation with the help of the Holy Spirit and that I cannot do it in my own strength.
What are the things that makes God's kingdom unique and special and different?
God's Kingdom is one of:
Humility
Light
Giving and Generosity
Thanksgiving and Thankfulness and Gratitude
Peace (Jesus is the Prince of Peace)
Love (Love never fails)
Patience (Love is patient)
Kindness (Love is kind)
Blessing
Joy
Truth
Life (Jesus is the way, the truth and the life)
Purity
Rest (Jesus says, 'Come to me all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest')
Trust and Confidence
Faith and Faithfulness
Contentment and Satisfaction
Gentleness
Goodness
Self-Control
Wisdom
Healing
Restoration
Safety and Belonging
Acceptance
There is more, so, so much more to life in God's kingdom. I'm always learning how to put these things into practice in my daily life and to have a different perspective as I walk through the world. I've lived too long by doing things in my own strength and it's time to lean on the Lord and follow His leading and walk according to His heavenly principles.
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