A Practical Guide to Walking Worthy Every Day
Have you ever stopped to consider what it truly means to live as a Christian—to walk in right relationship with God by practicing “justice” and “righteousness” every day, not just on Sundays? If so, you’re not alone. These words show up a lot in the Bible, but they can feel a bit mysterious. Let’s break them down together, using Ephesians 4:1-3 as our starting point, and see how they shape our daily lives in practical, encouraging ways.
Why Right Relationship Matters
In Ephesians 4:1-3, Paul writes, “I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love. Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” In simple terms, Paul is telling us that being a Christian isn’t just about what we believe—it’s about how we live, especially in our relationships with God and with others.
Understanding the Biblical Terms
Let’s start by translating some of those big Bible words into everyday language:
· Justice (Hebrew: tsedeq or krisis; Greek: dikaiosynē): This isn’t just about courts and laws. In the Bible, justice means making things right—treating people fairly, standing up for those who are wronged, and making sure everyone gets what they need.
· Righteousness (Hebrew: tsedaqah; Greek: dikaiosynē): This is about living in a way that matches God’s heart—being honest, trustworthy, and doing what’s good and true, even when no one is watching.
Simply put, justice and righteousness mean living in right relationship—with God, with others, and even with ourselves.
Key Aspects of Walking Worthy
Paul gives us some practical tools for living this out. Here’s what it looks like in action:
· Humility: Putting others first, admitting when we’re wrong, and recognizing that we need God’s help every day.
· Gentleness: Responding to others with kindness and patience, even when we feel frustrated or misunderstood.
· Patience: Giving people time to grow, forgiving mistakes, and not expecting perfection from ourselves or others.
· Love: Choosing to care, serve, and act for the good of others—even when it’s hard or inconvenient.
· Integrity: Being the same person in public and private, keeping our word, and doing the right thing, even when it costs us.
· Unity: Working together, seeking peace, and valuing what connects us as followers of Jesus.
Justice and Righteousness in Everyday Life
So, what does this look like on a Monday morning or a busy weekend? Here are some practical examples:
· At Work: Treat your coworkers fairly, refuse to gossip, and do your job with honesty—even if no one is watching.
· At Home: Listen to your family, admit your mistakes, forgive quickly, and look for ways to serve each other.
· In the Community: Stand up for neighbors who are mistreated, support those in need, and look for ways to make things better for everyone.
· In Church: Welcome newcomers, make space for different voices, and work through disagreements with love and humility.
Justice and righteousness aren’t just religious rules—they’re practical guides for how we treat people, make decisions, and reflect God’s love in everyday situations.
God as the Model
Why do we care about justice and righteousness? Because these qualities come straight from God’s heart. Throughout the Bible, God is described as just and righteous—He always does what is right, cares for the vulnerable, and calls us to do the same. When we live this way, we mirror God’s character and help others see His love in action (Ps. 89:14, Deuter.32:4, Psa. 7:11, Psa. 33:5, 103:6, Acts 17:31).
Why It Matters
Living out justice and righteousness changes us. It helps us grow closer to God, builds trust in our relationships, and makes our communities stronger and more loving. When Christians live with humility, gentleness, patience, and love, people notice—and they often want to know more about the God who inspires such a way of life.
Conclusion: A Daily Calling
Justice and righteousness aren’t just for heroes or spiritual giants—they’re for all of us. They’re not abstract ideas or impossible standards, but daily choices to live in right relationship with God and others. As we put these values into practice—with humility, gentleness, patience, love, and integrity—we discover a life that’s full, meaningful, and deeply connected to the heart of God.
So, let’s answer Paul’s call in Ephesians 4:1-3. Let’s walk worthy, live justly, and pursue righteousness—not as a set of rules, but as a joyful, practical way to follow Jesus every day.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026
afrancinegreen.com 