1 John 3:7 (KJV)
Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.
Righteousness is a gift of God provided by Jesus Christ at Calvary through the grace of God. It simply means being in the right standing with God. From the above Scripture, when we strive to live an honorable life and conform to God’s precepts, we are considered righteous even as Christ is righteous. Righteousness is when we live right and hate evil as children of God based on the standards of the Word of God. Through faith in Jesus, we receive the very righteousness of God as a gift. We are the righteousness of God through Christ’s finished work. Hebrews 1:9 says, “Thou hast loved righteousness, and hated iniquity; therefore God, even thy God, hath anointed thee with the oil of gladness above thy fellows.” God anointed Him with the oil of gladness beyond His companions due to His unwavering commitment to righteousness and complete avoidance of evil, reflecting His immense goodness and grace. God will also put us above our fellows when we live righteously and shun evil.
Knowing our identity in Christ Jesus makes all the difference in our lives. Our status changes when we surrender our lives to Jesus as our Lord and Savior. The Bible says God takes away our sins and gives us His Righteousness. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “For he hath made him to be sin for us, who knew no sin; that we might be made the righteousness of God in him.” One of the most significant benefits of salvation is that we are endowed with the very righteousness of God Himself. When we receive Christ, we receive a new life of righteousness, superior to sin, the devil, death, and hell. We become members of the highest royal family in the universe and possess the greatest weapon against the devil. 3 John 1:11 says, “Beloved, follow not that which is evil, but that which is good. He that doeth good is of God: but he that doeth evil hath not seen God.” We are encouraged as believers to follow what is only good, for we are born of God when we do good. So good and righteous works are essential to us. Let us not follow that which is evil, but let us be followers of God, who is always doing good, and walk in love after the example of our Lord. When we do good, it shows that we resemble God, for God continually does good. God is good to all whose hearts are pure and depend on Him. Anyone who does evil is not of God; it shows that they belong to the devil, who has been sinning since the beginning.
Beloved, living your life without a solid relationship with the Giver of life is a tragedy. Put all your sin on Christ and take up His righteousness. God says that only those who hunger after righteousness will receive it. Today, desire righteousness above everything else and avoid the way of crookedness and iniquity. Your yearning for God must supersede all other desires, like a deep hunger and an unquenchable thirst. As you obey God and walk in righteousness, you will experience God’s Blessing. Never follow the multitude to do evil; instead, take a stand in righteousness even if you have to stand alone. Stand for God; stand for the principles of the Kingdom. Do not do evil because everyone else is doing it. Always strive to do good, for you reflect God’s character. As a believer, you must strive to confidently mirror Christ’s actions, thoughts, behavior, and appearance. Embrace the truth that you possess the righteousness of God, and let this knowledge empower you to live boldly and fearlessly. With the help of the Holy Spirit, you can face any challenge or obstacle, knowing that you are a conqueror through Christ. Righteousness is your new position in Christ; walk and live in that consciousness, and everything about you will change in Jesus’ Name.
O Lord, thank You for Your Word today. Grant me the passion to hunger and thirst for Your righteousness in Jesus’ Name.