An appropriate response to a king’s order would certainly be, “As you command,” followed by obedience, of course. When answering God’s call on your lives, such a phrase could be used as well, but we would like to recommend an alternate response:

“As you wish.”

Those of you who are fans of the movie The Princess Bride will know exactly where we are going with this.

“As you wish” not only anticipates obedience, but represents obedience driven by love, not position. Jesus clearly says in John 14, “If you love me, do what I command you.” In John 15 he gives us his command – that we love each other just as he loved us.

The kingdom of God is an “as you wish” kingdom. God demonstrates his love for us by his sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, even while we are still enemies. Jesus commands us to love one another just like that, and to do it because we love him.

Imagine how the world might change if we had an “as you wish” attitude about living life.

Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.  Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails. 1 Cor. 13:4-8