At first glance, the question, "What is righteousness?" may appear deceptively simple. Yet, beneath the surface lies an answer demanding deep contemplation. Much like our instinctual understanding of everyday phenomena, our preconceived notions of "righteousness" can cloud our comprehension of its true essence within in the Bible.
To unravel the concept of “righteousness,” we turn to the Bible, which gives insight into its nature. Consider these verses: "He shall judge thy people with righteousness, and thy poor with judgment" (Psalm 72:2); "Thy righteousness is like the great mountains; thy judgments are a great deep" (Psalm 36:6); "In thy faithfulness answer me, and in thy righteousness" (Psalm 143:1); and "The LORD hath made known his salvation: his righteousness hath he openly shewed in the sight of the heathen" (Psalm 98:2).
These passages link “righteousness” with judgment, faithfulness, and salvation. It is clear that “righteousness,” according to the Bible, is not merely a static quality but an active manifestation of the living God’s character. This act serves as a cornerstone of the Bible’s philosophy, encapsulated in the profound truth of "the kindness and love of God our Saviour toward man" (Titus 3:4).
The living God has a noble intention for our devotional conversation, yet our understanding of this intention often becomes muddied by traditional religious interpretations. This divergence can provoke discomfort, particularly when we confront the notion that the living God’s kindness may not be directed at humanity in the conventional sense. As articulated in John 4:24, "God is a Spirit," and, consequently, the beneficiaries of this Spirit’s kindness are aligned with the spiritual body rather than the physical.
This revelation invites us to reflect on the transformative potential of "righteousness," which urges one to "be renewed in the spirit of your mind" (Ephesians 4:23), encouraging a deeper engagement with the kindness of the Bible’s words, which kindness transcends mere human experience.
By examining the connections between righteousness, judgment, and salvation, we gain clarity. Righteousness emerges as a term that encapsulates an act—an act realized through a benevolent judgment and intended salvation. In Isaiah 51:4, we see, "A law shall proceed from me, and I will make my judgment to rest for a light of the people." Here, “judgment” is framed as a guiding light, illuminating the path toward understanding “righteousness” as a useful inward experience.
In John 9:39, we encounter a pivotal moment: "For judgment I am come into this world." This declaration is not a self-centered assertion but a profound acknowledgment of the illuminating power of this useful experience. It echoes the message of Isaiah %1:4, reinforcing that the "light" proclaimed is indeed a judgment of the living God, resonating with the fact that "the kingdom of God is within you" (Luke 17:21).
So, why does this exploration of righteousness matter? It matters because it compels us to care for our faith's condition in alignment with the Bible’s intentions. When we embrace the kindness found within the Bible’s words, we open ourselves to experiencing “righteousness.” This kindness nurtures the well-being of our devotional character, guiding our interactions with ourselves and others.
By actively and positively internalizing the Bible’s words, we cultivate an environment where compassion flourishes. When we truly grasp the nature of its kindness, we not only treat ourselves with greater care and understanding, but we also extend that kindness outward, exemplifying the intended “righteousness.”
Learning about and demonstrating the Bible’s “righteousness” invites us to embark on a philosophical journey that transcends everything. Herein we are called to reflect on how the Bible’s words shape the existence of our devotional conversation. The goal is a transformative awakening—one that aligns our hearts and minds with the profound love of our conversation’s Creator. In doing so, we become vessels of “righteousness,” radiating intelligent light and kindness within a world that yearns for both.