A while back I was on my way to ONE, and as I neared my destination, I entered the roundabout that is half a block away. I’ve only seen a handful of them in San Antonio, and my trip around that one is usually uneventful. But that day, I encountered a driver who didn’t seem to know how this type of traffic flow works. He made some gestures I won’t describe and appeared to be saying some choice words, as well. If you know anything about the way these traffic designs work, you know the person in the roundabout has the right of way, and those who wish to merge into the flow must wait until there’s an opening big enough to do so. The timing can get kind of tricky, especially if there’s lots of traffic; sometimes it’s a delicate dance.

I think of life in the Kingdom of God as being similar to that. There’s a flow that moves people when they experience it, when they step into it. And it can be a bit tricky, especially for new people. It can take some getting used to! I think of that flow as being characterized by the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, and self-control. Those are the hallmarks of movement in the Kingdom. However, some people are unfamiliar with this sort of flow. They may not know how it works. They may not have grown up with any role models or any examples of this way of life; they may have no way of relating.

Perhaps one new person reacts by withdrawing, avoiding the challenge of the on-ramp, shying away from any engagement that might be bumpy. Love and patience go a long way toward helping them experience God’s flow in their lives and in the group. Or some people might be angry or reactive about not knowing how to merge in. Peace, kindness, and faithfulness create room in the flow for those beloved people. When we demonstrate those qualities, we are giving people a taste of the flow of God through us.

Maybe you are having a hard time getting into the flow of His Kingdom. Ask God, “Who can help me, who can extend those gifts to me, so I can learn to live in that flow?” Or maybe you are experienced in living there. You might try asking God, “Whom might You be wanting me to extend those gifts to?” or “Who might need a bit of love or patience today to help them experience flowing with God and others?”  We can all give and receive help in these ways, extending the flow of God’s Kingdom into this world of ours for the benefit of all.

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