Does The Kingdom Of God Benefit The Community?

“Do to others as you would have them do to you. For if you love those who love you, what credit is that to you?”(Luke 6:31-32) What credit does one truly receive from helping those who have always helped them? In what way does that benefit the community? Jesus asked this trivial question in an attempt to relay the epitome of the Kingdom of God. Many spend a whole lifetime searching for the true meaning of Jesus’ teachings on the Kingdom of God. The 21st century mind cannot comprehend the true impact of this passage; however, this passage enthralls the first century Jewish community due to its exclusive nature. The Kingdom of God dwells in no geographical place, holds no one ethnicity, and excludes no one. The Kingdom of God, in which Jesus’
“Much will be required of the person entrusted with much, and still more will be demanded of the person entrusted with more.” (Luke 12:48) Jesus explains to early Jews that God does not disfavor you for having much in this world; rather, God entrusts those with more to take care of the less fortunate. Although, Jesus warns those with riches to not stray from God, for with more earthly possessions comes greater temptation. First Century Jew’s became fixated on the idea of earthly possessions and the Law determining favor from God, causing the Jews to judge the poor and vulnerable, losing sight of the nature of the Kingdom of God. The Kingdom of God can be summarized in a short, simplistic passage from the Gospel of Luke, “But rather, love your enemies and do good to them, and lend expecting nothing back; then your reward will be great and you will be children of the Most High; for he himself is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked.” (Luke 6:35) The Kingdom of God requires one to put another before themself, exude kindness to all, and give with no limit in order to emulate the love God has shown you to
The following passage excerpted from Romans display this belief: “Let every person be subordinate to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been established by God.”(Romans 12:1) Through this passage, the Common Good justifies the purpose of government; however, this passage shows an ultimate reliance on God that the overall mission of the Common Good does not display. The Common Good can be used as a guideline or introduction to the Kingdom of God for the 21st century mind. The Common Good aims to create a community that brings us out of our individualistic mindsets, creating an inclusive community that holds a personal and communal aspect. Jesus taught in a world in which the first century Jew was truly collective in their culture, and, thus, aimed to create an inclusive community for all. The Kingdom of God does not focus itself upon earthly premises; rather, the Kingdom of God aims to rid us of earthly possessions in order to benefit those less fortunate. The Kingdom calls each person to give themselves fully to the community so that all may receive God’s