If you’ve ever wondered what it really means to live out the kingdom of God, it’s actually about letting the values and teachings of Jesus shape your everyday choices. The key idea is that, as followers of Christ, we’re called to be “set apart”—not in a way that makes us better than others, but in a way that lets God’s love and holiness shine through us.
The Bible makes this clear in Leviticus 20:26: “You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.” This isn’t just about following rules; it’s about having a different kind of heart—a heart that loves, forgives, and serves like Jesus did. Living out the kingdom means choosing humility when pride is easier, offering forgiveness when holding a grudge seems justified, and showing kindness to everyone, even those who may not treat us well.
It’s important to realize the kingdom of God stands in contrast to the “kingdom of the world.” While the world’s systems might promote justice and order, they often rely on power and self-interest. The kingdom of God, on the other hand, is all about sacrificial love—loving your neighbor and even your enemy, and choosing peace over conflict. This is a radically different way to live, and it’s not always the easiest path.
The real challenge comes when we start to blend the values of the kingdom of God with the values of the world. It’s tempting to think that if a government or system promotes good things like justice or equality, it’s the same as God’s kingdom. But God’s kingdom isn’t just a better version of what we already know—it’s a completely new way of being, rooted in Jesus’ teachings and example.
So, what does this look like in everyday life? It means loving others without expecting anything in return. It means seeking justice, but doing so with compassion and the goal of healing, not just winning. It means living humbly, putting others before yourself, and being a peacemaker in your community. And, perhaps most importantly, it means keeping your heart aligned with Christ, even when it feels like the world is pulling you in another direction.
This isn’t just about lofty spiritual ideas—it’s about practical steps, like forgiving someone who hurt you, volunteering to help someone in need, or simply offering a listening ear to someone who’s struggling. Each small act of kindness, each moment of choosing love over anger, helps to bring the kingdom of God to life right where you are.
In the end, embodying the kingdom of God is about faithfulness. As the Bible says in 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession…” We are called to be different—not for the sake of being different, but so that through our lives, others can see the hope, grace, and love that only God can give. By staying true to this calling, we become lights in a world that desperately needs the warmth and truth of God’s kingdom.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 