What Really Matters in God’s Kingdom
Romans 14:17 says: “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.” If you’ve ever wondered what it truly means to live for God, this verse gives a powerful and practical answer—and it’s much simpler than you might think!
It’s Not About Rules or Rituals
A lot of people think that being close to God means following tons of rules about what you eat, drink, or how you act. But Romans 14:17 flips that idea on its head. The verse tells us that God’s kingdom—what life with God is really about—isn’t based on outward things like food or drink. Those details don’t define your relationship with Him.
The Heart of the Matter: Righteousness, Peace, and Joy
Instead, what really counts are three things:
· Righteousness: This simply means living in a way that’s right—making good choices, treating others fairly, and letting God guide your actions.
· Peace: It’s about having harmony, especially with people around you. This means resolving arguments, forgiving others, and choosing love over conflict.
· Joy in the Holy Spirit: This isn’t just regular happiness. It’s a deep, lasting joy that God gives through the Holy Spirit, even when life gets tough.
Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff
Back when this was written, believers were busy debating what foods were okay to eat and what traditions to follow. But this verse shows us that those debates miss the point. God cares much more about our inward lives—our character, our relationships, and our attitude. Whether we eat one thing or another isn’t what draws us close to Him.
The Source of Real Joy
One of the most comforting ideas here is that joy doesn’t come from what’s happening around us, or from things we earn or buy. It comes directly from God, through His Spirit living in us. This means you can experience joy even when things aren’t perfect, because it’s a gift from God, not something you have to manufacture yourself.
Putting Others First
Romans 14:14-18 adds another important layer: sometimes, even if something is okay for us to do, it’s worth giving it up if it helps others. This is about thinking beyond our own preferences and considering how our actions affect those around us—especially when they’re still learning or growing in their faith.
If Jesus gave up so much for us, the least we can do is show kindness and patience to others. Sometimes that means avoiding things that might upset or confuse them, even if they’re technically allowed. It’s all about love, peace, and building one another up.
How to Live This Out
· Focus on living rightly—not just following rules, but seeking to do what’s loving and fair.
· Make peace a priority—work to keep good relationships, let go of grudges, and offer forgiveness.
· Ask God for true joy—don’t chase after momentary thrills, but lean into the deeper happiness His Spirit can give.
· Be sensitive to others—sometimes it’s better to give something up for someone else’s sake, especially if it builds unity and understanding.
Bottom Line
God’s kingdom isn’t about what’s on your plate or in your cup. It’s about what’s in your heart. Righteousness, peace, and joy—these are the things that matter most. If you seek these qualities, you’ll not only enjoy God more deeply, but you’ll help others do the same. That’s the kind of life God invites us to live every day.
Minister A Francine Green, September 2025