Truth and Virtue Made Simple
Introduction: Why Righteousness Matters
In our world, Christian values and moral living can sometimes get lost in political arguments or twisted for selfish reasons. More than ever, it’s important to understand what real righteousness means. The Bible says God wants to help us see Him more clearly and open our hearts and minds (Ephesians 1:17-18). This is an invitation to get to know God and ourselves better.
What Does Righteousness Really Mean?
Righteousness isn’t about being a “good person” by the world’s standards or following a bunch of rules to impress others. It’s about living the way God wants, measuring up to His standards, not ours. Romans 14:17 puts it plainly: God’s kingdom is about righteousness, peace, and joy—not just rituals or traditions.
God’s Nature: Justice and Truth
God cares deeply about fairness and truth, and He doesn’t like dishonesty or injustice. The Bible tells us that He’s shown us what He wants: to reject wrongdoing and stand up for what’s right (Romans 1:18-19). At the core, righteousness means loving justice and turning away from anything that hurts or divides people.
Understanding Truth: Wisdom vs. Selfishness
In James 3:13-17, the Bible describes two kinds of truth: one that’s guided by God’s wisdom and one that’s twisted by selfishness. James warns us not to “lie against the truth” because our hearts shape what we believe. Proverbs 23:7 says, “As a person thinks in their heart, so are they.” In other words, what’s inside us determines how we act. Instead of chasing after money, influence, or following every new trend, we need to focus on the kind of truth that matches God’s ways.
Real Righteousness vs. Fake Righteousness
We won’t find God’s kind of righteousness by spreading hate, fear, or pushing people apart. The message of the gospel should bring hope, not violence or division. Sadly, some have used faith to support racism, harsh politics, or power grabs. But Jesus said we can’t serve two masters (Matthew 6:24)—we must choose God’s love and justice over anything that leads us away from Him.
The Kingdom of God Is Different
God’s kingdom isn’t about fancy ceremonies or appearances. Romans 14:17 says it’s about peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. It’s like a bright light shining out in a dark world—bringing hope, love, and fairness to everyone.
Living Out Righteousness: Faith in Action
To truly live as God wants, we have to practice what we believe. The Bible warns us not to chase personal gain over truth (2 Peter 2:15) and reminds us that vengeance belongs to God, not us (Romans 12:19). Our lives should show patience, kindness, and fairness.
Christian Virtue: More Than Rules
Being a Christian isn’t just about following a list of do’s and don’ts. James 3:17 describes wisdom as pure, peaceful, gentle, and full of mercy. It means showing goodness without favoritism or pretending. Christians must look honestly at how faith has sometimes upheld injustice, and commit to being voices for fairness and truth.
Division Hurts
Today, it’s easy for people to fall into “us vs. them” thinking. When faith is used to justify hate or violence, it does real harm—not only to Christianity but to the whole community. Racism and harsh power plays go against the heart of Jesus’ teachings, which are about peace and love.
Jesus didn’t die to support evil. He came to change hearts, offering grace and new beginnings. Living with compassion, not hate, shows real righteousness.
Being a Light: How to Embody Righteousness
To embody righteousness means to reflect God’s goodness in how we live—standing against injustice, selfishness, and using faith for personal gain. It takes humility, patience, and sticking to what’s true and fair.
Righteousness starts within, as a journey of getting to know God more. Let’s work to live lives that shine with God’s principles: righteousness, peace, and joy.
Conclusion: Living Out God’s Love
God loves what’s right and hates what’s wrong, and He wants to show Himself to us. Faced with today’s challenges, let’s hold on to the truth in Scripture, living as faithful Christians and caring citizens. By rejecting the twisted versions of the gospel, we can share the real message—one of peace, love, and justice.
When we live out righteousness, we become lights in the world—showing others the truth of God’s love and the power of His grace. Let’s not just talk about righteousness, but live it, so that everyone can see the beauty of God’s nature in us.
Minister A Francine Green
December 2025
afrancinegreen.com 