It Is In Giving That We Receive

Often we are exhorted to seek the kingdom of God or change our lives so we are worthy of entering this seemingly magical place. Robin Ryan, CP, offers a different perspective when he says, “The gift of the kingdom is meant to be given away. It must be made present in and through the priorities we set and the choices we make.”

God does not hide the kingdom from us or create elaborate stipulations for entering. Jesus repeatedly told us that the kingdom of God is available to anyone who is single-hearted (e.g., selling everything to buy a field containing treasure or an incomparable pearl) and willing to share God’s love with others (i.e., acting like yeast in bread dough). We can’t believe that gaining entrance to the kingdom of God is that simple, so we become distracted by complications that we create ourselves.

We all face situations in which we struggle to be kind to people who irritate us, pray when we are tired, or help someone when it inconveniences us. It is helpful to remember that when we choose to prioritize kindness, prayer, and the needs of others we are actually making the kingdom of God present and, paradoxically, finding it by giving it away.