Dele Fasanya

How do we put into practice sharing the coming of the God’s Kingdom in the lives of our family, friends and neighbours that they might come to faith?
 
Well in these days with Covid where there is doubt, fear and anxiety, it can be quite difficult to focus on not focus on just oneself but I have been trying a number of things. You might recall my “No weapon” chant for when I feel any of the above.
 
I am also listening to gospel music (loving this song at the moment – “Touch of Heaven”). 
 
And finally, reading scripture and it was whilst I have been doing this that I came across the below verse from Mark 12, which I believe is quite apt for sharing God’s Kingdom 
 
“Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.’ The second most important commandment is this: ‘Love your neighbour as you love yourself.’
 
Love, it turns out is how we share God’s Kingdom.  Whilst rummaging through the Bible to find out what Love is, I came across 1 Corinthians.  Wow! 1 Corinthians 13 struck a massive cord with me (I actually read parts of it at my wedding over 15 years ago I now realise). I was particularly struck by the below verse

 “Love is not ill-mannered or selfish or irritable; love does not keep a record of wrongs;”
 
The focus on myself had led to me being all of the above from verse 5 (added to the doubt, fear and anxiety), which meant I hadn’t been loving anyone (family, friends or neighbours). I wonder if anyone has been like me lately? - struggling and grumpy. Well we can start all over again and hit the RESET button, loving God and our neighbours as stated in 1 John 4 ‘let us love one another, because love comes from God.’
 
So love is how we share God’s Kingdom – Calling friends & family and seeing how they are doing, helping a vulnerable neighbour etc. WE SHARE OUR FAITH plus we get the added benefit of the happiness that comes from talking, helping and sharing God’s love with the protection that comes from loving God.
 
Prayer
Help us Lord to apply this passage of love to our daily lives.
 
Prayer Request
In this season of Thy Kingdom Come, continue to pray for 5 people (family, friends or neighbours) who don’t know the love of Christ.