Have you ever been with friends, family, or some large group where the goodwill seemed to overflow and the love radiate without conscious effort? You may have been very near “the treasure.”

The kingdom of God is the zone of unhindered grace, yet to come fully among us, but always appearing when human beings are willing to do justly, love mercy, and walk humbly. (See Micah 6:8.) The slow process of discipleship involves learning through trial and error to live into these better angels of our nature.

The same gift of God’s love that embraces us completely as we are calls us to change if we want to possess the treasure fully. Both plower and merchant must sell all they have to purchase their precious finds. Just so, Jesus tells us to “strive to enter” the zone of more fully realized grace (Luke 13:24). The Greek word for strive implies a struggle, a dealing with opposition and hindrance. The next parable in today’s passage (vv. 47-50) offers an image of sorting through that which is of the kingdom of heaven and that which is not.

Jesus, in another passage, says that where our treasure is “there will your hearts be also” (Matt. 6:21). But so many attachments set down roots in our hearts. Do I enjoy the adrenalin rush of argument? Do I find self-justification in criticizing others’ faults? What in me resists truly life-giving, reciprocal relationships of mutual help and service? All such attachments are like the unsuitable fish that must be sorted through in the parable.

Practice may not make perfect, but it can make proficient. Agape—loving care, consideration, and compassion—can be practiced. This is the treasure buried in the field of all our hearts, waiting to be released and developed by grace.