Kingdom love is not a feeling, not an emotion, not just words, but action. This is how people will know that we are Christ's followers—not by our church attendance, our words, and our beliefs—but by our actions. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus says, "Watch me; watch what I do, and you will learn what Kingdom love is all about."
Jesus said:
As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love. If you keep my commandments, you will abide in my love, just as I have kept my Father's commandments and abide in his love. These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.
This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends. You are my friends if you do what I command you (John 15:9-14).Jesus' love for us included a cross. He laid down His life for us.
As revealed by Jesus, there is love in His Kingdom.
Beloved, love while knowing that you are loved.
gaj
(Excerpted from the book, The Kingdom According to Jesus, by Gregory A. Johnson. Copyright © by Gregory A. Johnson. All rights reserved. Click here for a complete list of books authored by Gregory A. Johnson)
