God is righteous in all His ways. Isaiah 45:21 says, “…And there is no God apart from me, a righteous God and a Savior; there is none but me.” His ways are always right and He never changes. But fallen man is sinful and far from the righteousness God requires in him. Romans 3:23 says, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” Though we have all sinned, God in His love does not want anyone to perish but wants them to be made right with Him. And He has made a Way! It is up to each one of us to understand His righteous way and experience life and life in abundance in Him. 

Christ Jesus did not reject sinners who came to Him for mercy and salvation; He rejected those who were too righteous in their own eyes to need His saving grace. Jesus came to save sinners and not to save those righteous in their own eyes. Those who thought themselves most righteous were the ones condemned by Jesus as wicked and unrighteous. Romans 10:3&4 says, “For, being ignorant of the righteousness of God, and seeking to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.” Many a time we do not understand God’s way of making people right with Himself thereby refusing to accept God’s way. Instead we cling on to our own way of getting right with God through various means. Understanding God’s way is the key to life. 

Romans 3:22 speaks of “—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe.” Those who are desirous of being made right with God, must be willing to reject their own ways of seeking righteousness. There is only one way we are made right with God – by placing our faith in Jesus Christ! This is true for everyone who believes no matter who we are. If today we choose to understand this truth and will be among those who acknowledge and repent of sin in our lives, we can trust in the righteousness of Christ for our salvation.

Our reading speaks of God’s righteous Word and its many qualities. Psalm 119:130 says, “The entrance of Your words gives light; It gives understanding to the simple.” Those who are made right with God need His principles to guide them all their lives. His righteous statutes give us understanding to live pleasing in His sight. If we direct our steps according to His precepts, we will hate all wrong way and sin will not rule over us (Ps 119:128;133). Just like the Psalmist who declared from the experience of his life: “Your word is very pure (tried and well refined); therefore Your servant loves it.” [Ps.119:140 AMPC] may we also learn to love God’s Word and live by it.

The kingdom of God is righteousness and it is coming soon; He will reign in righteousness. We are not to be discouraged or fret over the wicked around us who seem to be getting away with sin. The Day of Judgment is rapidly coming, and righteousness will prevail. True righteousness is not to be judged according to external, legalistic standards; it is not in judging others but judging ourselves and making sure that we are on the path of righteousness.

If your need today is for this divine understanding of the righteousness of God, believe in Christ Jesus. By faith He will be your perfect righteousness. You do not have to live in fear or condemnation anymore. By faith in Jesus, move forward and He will make your paths straight!

Thought for the Day: “The Lord detests the way of the wicked,

but he loves those who pursue righteousness.”

-Proverbs 15:9