Revealing the Heart of God through Humility and Service
Understanding God’s Kingdom in Everyday Life
When we talk about the kingdom of God, it might sound like a grand, mysterious concept. But at its heart, God’s kingdom is simple and practical—it’s about living with humility, showing grace, and serving others. Jesus Christ, through his life and actions, gave us a clear picture of what this looks like. Let’s break it down in everyday terms.
The Self-Sacrificial Nature of God’s Kingdom
Imagine someone who has everything—power, wealth, and respect—but chooses to give it all up to help others. That’s what Jesus did. He was fully God, yet he decided to become human and live among us, not as a king in a palace, but as a humble servant. He didn’t chase after riches or fame; instead, he was born in a stable and lived without a home. This decision wasn’t random; it was a deliberate move to show us that the real power of God’s kingdom comes from putting others first, even when it costs you something.
Jesus could have used his power to rule over everyone. Instead, he chose humility and service. He showed us that greatness is not about being in charge, but about helping others, loving deeply, and giving freely. The kingdom of God is upside-down compared to what the world values. It’s not about crowns or thrones, but about compassion and kindness.
Humility: The True Mark of Greatness
Jesus lived like a servant, even though he deserved every honor. He said, “The Son of Man has no place to lay his head,” meaning he didn’t chase comfort or wealth. He spent his time with people others ignored—those who were considered outsiders or sinners. He ate with tax collectors, befriended people with bad reputations, and welcomed those who were rejected. His actions showed that in God’s kingdom, everyone matters, and love is offered to all.
His humility wasn’t just for show. Jesus actually served others—he healed the sick, comforted the hurting, and even washed his disciples’ feet, a job normally done by the lowest servant. He taught that true greatness comes from serving, not being served. In God’s kingdom, those who humble themselves are lifted up, and those who think they’re the best are reminded to care for others first.
Grace in Action: Forgiving and Welcoming
God’s kingdom is all about grace, which means giving kindness and forgiveness even when it’s not deserved. Jesus showed this again and again. Like the time a woman was caught doing wrong and everyone wanted to punish her, Jesus stood up for her and said, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Instead of condemning her, he forgave her and offered her a new start.
Or think about Zacchaeus, a tax collector who was disliked by his neighbors. Zacchaeus climbed a tree just to see Jesus, and Jesus noticed him. He said, “I must stay at your house today,” showing that even those who are despised are welcomed in God’s kingdom. This kindness changed Zacchaeus, leading him to make things right and help others. Jesus taught that you don’t earn God’s love—it’s given freely. In his kingdom, mistakes are forgiven and broken lives are healed.
The Cross: The Ultimate Example of Love
The cross is the clearest sign of God’s kingdom. Jesus went through pain and rejection, even forgiving those who hurt him, saying, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” On the cross, Jesus showed that real power is found in love and self-sacrifice, not in control or domination. True leadership means serving others, even when it’s hard.
The cross helps us understand what the kingdom of God is all about: love wins over hate, grace wins over judgment, and life wins over death. Everything Jesus did leads to this moment, proving that God’s way is about giving, forgiving, and loving without limits.
Putting the Kingdom into Practice
Following Jesus means living out these values every day. We’re called to be humble, to show grace, and to serve others. In a world that often celebrates power and success, God’s kingdom invites us to be different—to care for others, to help those who are struggling, and to share God’s love through our actions.
God’s kingdom looks like humility, like grace, like serving others. It looks, above all, like Jesus. If we want to experience the benefits of what Jesus did for us, we’re invited to resemble him in how we live. Jesus had both divine and human sides—he was God but also fully human, choosing to live simply and suffer for our sake. He showed us that the best kind of love is self-denying and sacrificial.
Every time we choose to help, forgive, or love someone, we bring God’s kingdom a little closer. Let’s live out these values, making God’s heart visible in our lives and the world around us. That’s what living the kingdom is all about.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 