What is Righteousness?

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.

Love: The Highest Form of Intelligence and Growth

Love is more than just a feeling—it's a gateway to higher intelligence. When we practice love, we cultivate emotional and spiritual growth. In contrast, hatred drags us into a state of ignorance and self-destruction.

But what exactly is "hate"? Leviticus 19:17 gives us insight: "Thou shalt not hate thy brother in thine heart: thou shalt in any wise rebuke thy neighbor, and not suffer sin upon him." In simple terms, hate involves standing by while others harm themselves—mentally, emotionally, or spiritually.

When you hate, you allow others to continue destructive behaviors without offering help or guidance. Instead of encouraging growth or positive change, you let someone deteriorate in their unhealthy thoughts and actions. This inaction is a form of neglect, even spiritual harm.

The Bible teaches that "the strength of sin is the law" (1 Corinthians 15:56). The religious laws of Moses represented a rigid code of conduct, which—if misinterpreted—could lead to self-condemnation and judgment. Galatians 3:11 reminds us, "No man is justified by the law in the sight of God." Thus, hate can manifest as allowing others to suffer under outdated or unhealthy mental and emotional "laws" they've created for themselves, or follow within the religious world.

When you allow someone to continue on a destructive path, you’re essentially letting them destroy their own self-worth and spiritual health. This is the ultimate form of hatred—not helping them break free from their self-imposed limitations.

In contrast, love is about building up and supporting others. According to 1 Thessalonians 4:9, "Ye yourselves are taught of God to love one another." This is reinforced in 1 Thessalonians 5:11: "Comfort yourselves together, and edify one another."

To love someone is to lift them up, edify their mind, and help them recognize their true value. Love is the act of showing others the path away from self-destruction and toward self-discovery.

When we love, we challenge ourselves to grow by helping others. We increase in personal understanding, discipline, and wisdom. Love forces us to confront our own emotions and experiences, making us more effective in uplifting others.

Loving others isn’t just about them—it’s also about your own growth. As you empathize and help others through their struggles, you deepen your own understanding of life's challenges and how to overcome them. Love is a reminder of where we've been and where we're going.

When you love, you're practicing self-awareness and emotional intelligence. You're making conscious decisions that enhance both your life and the lives of those around you. Love leads to understanding and unity, while hate results in division and loss.

True love doesn't come with expectations or fears. When we love authentically, we enrich our own lives and contribute positively to the world around us. Love leads to clarity of purpose, while hate clouds judgment and leads to misunderstanding.

In the end, the message is simple: just love. Love leads to personal growth, deeper understanding, and a positive influence on those around us. It helps you erase negative patterns and replace them with wisdom. Love is the ultimate key to unlocking your true potential and helping others do the same.

If you're seeking clarity, peace, and purpose, start with love. By doing so, you'll gain personal and devotional growth that not only enhances your life, but also the lives of everyone you encounter.