Sharing the Gospel in Word and Action
Righteousness and justice are not just nice-sounding ideas—they are the foundation of God’s kingdom and how He governs everything. Psalm 89:14 says, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; love and faithfulness go before You.” This verse shows us how important these qualities are to God’s character and the way His kingdom works. When we think about these principles, they have a practical impact on how we live, what we believe, and how we treat others.
Alongside this, Matthew 24:14 gives us a mission: “And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” This verse reminds us that spreading God’s message is not just something we talk about—it’s something we live out. Together, righteousness, justice, and the call to preach the gospel show us what God’s kingdom is all about.
What Are Righteousness and Justice?
Let’s break it down: righteousness is about living a life that’s pleasing to God—doing what’s right, honoring Him, and treating others fairly. It’s about being in the right relationship with God and with the people around us. Justice goes a step further—it’s taking righteousness and putting it into action. It’s about ensuring fairness, standing up for those who are mistreated, and making sure things are set right when they go wrong.
Think of righteousness as the heart of God’s moral code and justice as the way we live it out—how we treat others, how we act in our communities, and even how we speak up for the vulnerable. These two qualities are central to God’s kingdom and His expectations for us.
God’s Example of Righteousness and Justice
God Himself is the perfect example. His righteousness reflects His purity and His commitment to doing what is right. His justice shows how He makes sure everyone is treated fairly. Psalm 89:14 explains that His throne—symbolizing His authority—is built on these principles. That means they are at the core of how He rules and interacts with His creation.
For us, righteousness and justice are about following His example. It’s not just about what we believe but how we act—living in harmony with God and others, standing up for fairness, and helping those in need.
The Gospel and Righteousness and Justice
The gospel is more than just the promise of salvation. It’s the story of God’s kingdom—His rule over all things. And because His kingdom is based on righteousness and justice, these principles are central to the gospel’s message.
Righteousness in the Gospel
Through Jesus’ sacrifice, we are made righteous in God’s eyes. This isn’t something we earn—it’s a gift. But this gift comes with a responsibility: we need to live lives that reflect God’s righteousness. In Matthew 5, the Beatitudes describe the attitudes and behaviors of people in God’s kingdom. They talk about being merciful, pure in heart, and seeking righteousness. This isn’t a passive process—it’s active, requiring us to pursue God’s will in every area of our lives.
Justice in the Gospel
Justice is the outward expression of righteousness. Jesus showed us what justice looks like through His actions: healing the sick, feeding the hungry, and standing up for the marginalized. His ministry wasn’t just about spiritual needs—it also addressed physical ones. By doing this, He demonstrated that God’s kingdom is about wholeness and restoration.
As followers of Jesus, we are called to continue this work. Whether it’s advocating for fairness, helping those in need, or confronting injustice, we reflect the justice of God’s kingdom in our daily lives.
Preaching the Gospel to All Nations
Matthew 24:14 gives us a clear directive: the gospel must be preached to all nations before the end comes. This reminds us that sharing God’s message isn’t limited to one group or culture—it’s for everyone. And preaching the gospel isn’t just about words; it’s about showing people what God’s kingdom looks like through our actions.
Sharing the Gospel Through Words
Talking about God’s message is important. Psalm 89:14 and Matthew 24:14 together show us that the gospel is about a God who is righteous, just, loving, and faithful. It’s a message of hope and restoration, calling people to live according to God’s kingdom values. When we share this message, we give others the chance to experience His love and truth.
Living the Gospel Through Actions
Actions often speak louder than words. Feeding the hungry, helping the oppressed, and standing up against unfair systems show the world what God’s justice and righteousness look like. These aren’t just good deeds—they are ways to worship God and reflect His character. When we live out these principles, we make the gospel message real and authentic.
God’s Global Vision
Matthew 24:14 highlights the inclusivity of the gospel. It’s not just for one nation or group—it’s for all people. This global vision shows God’s desire for unity and reconciliation. He wants everyone to know Him and experience the righteousness and justice of His kingdom.
Sharing the gospel across cultures and languages requires building relationships and understanding. It’s about celebrating the diversity of humanity while staying true to God’s unchanging truth. When we do this, we show that God’s kingdom transcends borders and unites people under His love and grace.
Conclusion: Living Out the Gospel
Psalm 89:14 and Matthew 24:14 aren’t just verses to memorize—they’re a blueprint for how we live as followers of Christ. They call us to align our lives with God’s values of righteousness and justice and to share the gospel with others.
Living the gospel means combining our words and actions. It’s about showing people the transformative power of God’s kingdom through how we treat them, how we support those in need, and how we stand for what’s right. When we do this, we reflect God’s character and advance His mission in the world.
As we preach and live out the gospel, we move closer to the day when God’s kingdom will fully come. And until that day, we are called to be His ambassadors, embodying righteousness and justice and sharing His message with everyone we meet.
Minister A Francine Green
afrancinegreen.com 