The Kingdom of God: Righteousness, Peace, and Joy

-Tommy Zukoski

Romans 14:17 says, “For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit.” This verse gives us a profound glimpse into the structure of God’s Kingdom. It is made up of three distinct elements: righteousness, peace, and joy—each an essential component of our life in Christ.

Righteousness: Our Position in Christ

The first third of the Kingdom is righteousness, and this speaks to our position in Christ. We don’t earn righteousness; it’s a gift. Through the cross, Jesus secured our right standing with God. We are not striving for it—it’s who we are in Him. “As He is, so are we in this world” (1 John 4:17). Isn’t that beautiful? The cross brought us new life, and at its core is righteousness. This is the foundation of our identity as believers.

Peace: Our GPS System

The second part of the Kingdom is peace, which serves as our guide in all situations. Jesus is called the Prince of Peace, and His peace is unlike anything the world can give (John 14:27). Peace isn’t just a feeling; it’s the character of Christ. It’s how we navigate the complexities of life, filtering our decisions and perceptions through the lens of peace. When peace governs our hearts, we see people, places, and circumstances through God’s redemptive plan, trusting that He works all things together for good. Peace isn’t just a guide; it’s a guard for our hearts and minds (Philippians 4:7).

Joy: The Kingdom in Action

The final third of the Kingdom is joy. Joy is more than a feeling—it’s a strength and, ultimately, a weapon. “The joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). When our righteousness is secure and our peace intact, joy becomes the natural overflow. But the enemy knows this, which is why so many of life’s battles are aimed at stealing our joy. Without joy, we lose the energy to live out our calling.

Joy flows from the living waters of God’s presence within us. Daily intimacy with Him—through prayer, worship, and His Word—fills us to overflowing. This overflow is the Kingdom in action: joy expressed in our words, our actions, and our relationships. Joy is the visible evidence that the Kingdom of God is alive in us.

Summarizing the Kingdom

The Kingdom of God is a divine blueprint for victorious living. Righteousness anchors us in our identity, peace guides us in our decisions, and joy empowers us to live out our calling. Together, these three elements form a dynamic expression of God’s Kingdom in and through us.

The beauty of this Kingdom is that it’s not something we achieve; it’s something we receive. It’s the life of God flowing in us and out of us. And as we live from this place of righteousness, peace, and joy, we not only experience the fullness of the Kingdom—we bring it to the world around us.

Let this be your reminder today: You are righteous in Christ. You are guided by His peace. And you are strengthened by His joy. The Kingdom of God is alive in you.

Let’s live it out.