The Heart of the Kingdom

For the kingdom of God 

is not a matter of eating and drinking, 

but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

Romans 14:17 

The early church was not without its differences. In fact, it was filled with believers from vastly different backgrounds—Jewish and Gentile, rich and poor, free and slave. They didn’t always agree on customs, diets, or even the proper day to worship. But what made the church distinct was not uniformity of opinion—it was unity of Spirit. What held them together was not agreement on every disputable matter, but the presence of Christ living and active among them, shaping their life together.

This insight is strikingly relevant today. In a time when differences can quickly lead to division, we are reminded that the Spirit binds us in shared worship, mission, and love, even when we don’t see every issue the same way. Our disagreements are real, but they are not ultimate. In a world—and a church—so often divided over secondary matters, Paul calls us back to the essentials. The kingdom of God is not built on personal preferences or outward practices but on the inner life of the Spirit: righteousness, peace, and joy.

• Righteousness – Not just moral behavior, but right standing with God through Christ (2 Corinthians 5:21). It flows into just and loving relationships with others (Micah 6:8).
  
  
• Peace – A gift from Christ (John 14:27), cultivated as we seek reconciliation, forgive, and live in harmony (Hebrews 12:14).
  
  
• Joy – Not mere happiness, but a deep, Spirit-born gladness that endures trials (Nehemiah 8:10; 1 Peter 1:8).
  
  

Austin Farrer deepens this by reminding us that “the joy of the kingdom is not something we take, but something that takes hold of us when we surrender to the Lord.” This joy is not a product of getting our way or winning a debate—it is the fruit of laying down our pride, our need to be right, and our desire for control. It is a joy birthed not in striving, but in surrender.

When we stop clutching at our positions and start yielding to Jesus, we discover that the kingdom is not about asserting ourselves, but about being embraced by a joy that flows from the heart of God Himself. This joy has the power to heal divisions, soften hard hearts, and draw the church together in a harmony that reflects heaven.

When we shift our focus to the Spirit’s transforming work, we stop measuring others by our customs and start delighting in what unites us: Jesus Christ as Lord.

Prayer

Lord , help us to live by the values of Your kingdom. Fill us with Your righteousness, peace, and joy through the Holy Spirit. Guard us from judgment and division. Teach us to love those who differ from us and to hold fast to what matters most—Your gospel, Your grace, and Your lordship. Amen.