Proverbs 21:3(ESV)
To do righteousness and justice is more acceptable to the LORD than sacrifice.
Sacrifice is that act of surrendering a prized possession as an offering to God. Sacrifice also means giving up a pleasure to get a treasure, for there cannot be a rise without a price. In the service of God, sacrifice is exceptional and establishes liberty. It turns captivity and the cure for curses. To be in covenant with God is to live the life of sacrifice, for the life of sacrifice makes us go where no one is permitted. Our willingness to sacrifice is an indication of our devotion to God. Proverbs 15:8 says, “The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to the LORD, but the prayer of the upright is acceptable to him.” As much as a sacrifice is acceptable, that of the wicked is unacceptable to God. He expects our oblation to be holy and well qualified to Him. God desires all His children to present their bodies as living sacrifices to Him (Romans 12:1). Micah 6:6-8 says, “With what shall I come before the Lord, and bow myself before God on high? Shall I come before him with burnt offerings, with calves a year old? Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams, with ten thousands of rivers of oil? Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?” He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?”
God is a God of virtue and justice. It is also clear that God prefers righteousness and justice to sacrifice. Their foundation is in God. That is, we cannot steal and extort money from others and bring to God as sacrifice. Understanding the nature of God and obeying His commandments are keys to living this transformed life. Living this holy and uncorrupted life is a lifelong process in obedience to the Word of God. Righteousness and justice are doing what is morally right. Toward God, it is a pure heart obeying His Words. God requires that our service is sincere in His sight, behaving properly towards others. In other words, our behavior is acceptable to the LORD when we desire to seek and do what is good and right. Doing what is right requires us to get rid of everything not right in our hearts. 1 John 3:7 says, “Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as he is righteous.” In other words, when we strive to live an honorable life and conform to God’s precepts, we are considered righteous even as Christ is upright. As Christians, we must emulate the God of righteousness and justice and learn to judge every thought, motive, and attitude by the Word of God.
Beloved, it is a tragedy to live your life without a solid relationship with the giver of life. Learn to do good always because that is the character of God. God says that only those who hunger after righteousness will receive it. Today, desire righteousness and justice above everything else and avoid the way of crookedness and iniquity. Your yearning for God must supersede all other desires; it must be like a deep hunger and an unquenchable thirst. As you obey God and walk on the path of righteousness, you will experience God’s Blessing. Never follow the multitude to do evil, instead take a stand in uprightness and justice even if you need to stand alone. Stand for God; stand for the principles of the Kingdom. Endeavor to give the best of your life to God. Know that God hates injustice, for God rejoices in truth, justice, and fairness. Ensure that the just is not punished unjustly. You must ensure that no one is ill-treated on account of perception, but justice must prevail always. Ask Jesus to soften your heart and rid you of unforgiveness, unbelief, or bitterness. Remember, righteousness and justice are more acceptable to God.
O Lord, help me to do what is right. I receive the grace to live a life of righteousness and justice in Jesus’ Name.