Understanding Righteousness in Simple Terms
When most people hear the word “righteousness,” it sounds like a religious term—maybe a lofty word used in sermons or read in old translations of the Bible. But what does it actually mean? And why does the apostle Paul keep talking about it so much in the New Testament? If you’re searching for answers in plain language, and maybe wondering where your own life fits into all this, you’re not alone.
What Does “Righteousness” Mean in Paul’s Letters?
In his letters, Paul often uses the word “righteousness” to describe the kind of behavior that pleases God—what you might call ethical righteousness. Simply put, it’s living in a way that lines up with God’s standards: being honest, just, compassionate, and living a life that reflects goodness.
Paul isn’t just talking about rules or lists of do’s and don’ts. Ethical righteousness, as he describes it, is about a heart and lifestyle that point toward God. It’s about our actions and attitudes—how we treat others, how we respond to challenges, and how we make decisions—being shaped by what God wants, not just what the world around us expects.
Let’s look at a few examples:
· Romans 6:13, 16, 18, 19, 20: Paul speaks about not offering ourselves as instruments of wickedness but as instruments of “righteousness.” He’s saying that, now that we belong to God, our lives should show His goodness.
· 2 Corinthians 6:7, 14; 9:9; 11:15: Paul talks about being armed with the “weapons of righteousness” and not being yoked to what is wrong. Again, it’s about actions that please God.
· Ephesians 4:24; 5:9; 6:14: Paul describes putting on the “new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness,” and how the fruit of the Spirit is “righteousness.”
· Philippians 1:11; 3:6: He asks that believers be “filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ” and speaks of his own past in terms of “righteousness” under the law.
· 1 Timothy 6:11; 2 Timothy 2:22; 3:16; 4:8; Titus 3:5: Paul encourages Timothy to “pursue righteousness” and instructs that the Scriptures train us in “righteousness.”
So for Paul, righteousness isn’t just a status—it’s a way of life.
Growing Up Without Understanding Righteousness
If you grew up in church, you might have heard a lot about being “saved,” getting baptized, and maybe about heaven and hell. But, like many people, you might not have heard much about “the righteousness of God,” or why it matters in your day-to-day life.
That’s exactly how my story began. I grew up in a Baptist church. We were taught about salvation—how Jesus died for us, and how believing in Him would save us from our sins. We learned about baptism, the outward act that shows we’ve decided to follow Jesus. But I never heard much about what righteousness truly meant, or how it connected to my daily life after those first steps of faith.
I didn’t understand that the Christian life wasn’t just about a one-time prayer or a ritual, but about an ongoing transformation—a process where God shapes your character and your choices to look like His.
Missing the Benefits of Salvation
Because I didn’t know about the righteousness of God, I also missed out on the benefits of salvation—things like peace, joy, power to change, and victory over harmful habits. No one told me that through Jesus, God gives us not just forgiveness, but also the strength and desire to live right.
As a young adult, my life didn’t look much different from those around me. I lived for myself. I chased after what the world said would make me happy—things that, deep down, only left me empty. And even though I’d had moments where I sensed God’s presence or felt drawn to something more, I didn’t understand the deeper, spiritual realities that were at work.
The Turning Point: Wilderness Moments
Eventually, all those choices caught up with me. I found myself in a place of need—a kind of “wilderness.” Life wasn’t working. I felt lost and hungry for something real. That’s when God began to reach out to me, not with condemnation, but with hope.
He drew me in through the teaching of the Word—the Bible. I started to hear messages that went beyond the basics, teaching about who God is, who I am because of Jesus, and what it means for my life to be marked by righteousness.
There’s a powerful verse in Romans 10:14 that says, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” This was my story. Until someone explained the fullness of what Jesus did—how He not only forgives, but transforms and empowers us—I didn’t know what I was missing.
Encountering the Spirit
As I began to dig deeper into Scripture, something new happened. I experienced the Holy Spirit speaking to me—not in a weird or spooky way, but as a gentle, persistent voice in my heart, leading me, correcting me, encouraging me. It was unlike anything I’d known before.
I realized that living a Christian life isn’t just about trying harder or following rules. It’s supernatural. Only the Holy Spirit can give us the kind of desires and strength we need to actually live in a way that pleases God. Without Him, it’s just empty religion.
So What Does This Mean for You?
Maybe you grew up in church, or maybe you didn’t. Maybe you feel like you know “about” God, but haven’t experienced Him. Or maybe you’re just curious about spiritual things. Wherever you are, here’s what I’ve learned, in the simplest terms:
· Righteousness is about more than being “good.” It’s about allowing God to shape your life from the inside out, so your words, actions, and attitudes honor Him.
· You can’t do it on your own. The Christian life isn’t about trying to impress God or others. It’s about depending on the Holy Spirit, who lives in you if you’ve trusted in Jesus.
· God wants a relationship, not just your obedience. He cares more about your heart than your perfect performance. He invites you to walk with Him and let Him transform you over time.
· The journey is ongoing. None of us “arrive.” We keep learning, growing, and being changed as we stay connected to God through His Word and His Spirit.
· You have new benefits in Christ. When you understand righteousness, you discover peace, joy, and a sense of purpose that no one can take away.
Practical Steps: How to Pursue Righteousness
If you want to grow in righteousness—real, ethical living that pleases God—here are a few simple steps:
· Read the Bible regularly. Start with Paul’s letters (Romans, Ephesians, Philippians, etc.), and ask God to show you what it means to live right.
· Pray honestly. Talk to God about where you struggle, and ask for the Holy Spirit’s help to change.
· Find a community. Connect with others who can encourage you and walk with you. Church, small groups, or even just a friend can make a big difference.
· Practice what you learn. Look for small ways to show kindness, forgive, speak the truth, or serve. Righteousness grows as you put it into action.
· Be patient with yourself. Change is a process. God is more interested in your direction than your speed.
Final Thoughts
Righteousness, as Paul describes it, is not a badge you earn but a life you grow into—by God’s grace and the Holy Spirit’s power. No matter where you’ve been or what you’ve done, God invites you to experience more: not just forgiveness from the past, but a new way to live that brings joy, peace, and purpose.
If you’re feeling stuck, confused, or just curious, don’t give up. Keep seeking, keep asking, and keep listening. The God who calls you is faithful, and the journey of righteousness is worth every step.
Minister A Francine Green
September 2025
afrancinegreen.com 