God Is Righteous

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Deuteronomy 32:4 "He is the Rock, his works are perfect, and all his ways are just. A faithful God who does no wrong, upright and just is he."

Psalm 11:7 "For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face."

Revelation 15:3 "Great and marvelous are your deeds, Lord God Almighty. Just and true are your ways, King of the nations."

Think

When we think about righteousness, we often imagine someone who lives a morally upright life, following the rules and doing what is just. But God’s righteousness is far more profound and foundational. Divine righteousness isn’t just an attribute God possesses—it’s the essence of who he is. God’s righteousness means he is the standard of all that is right and just. This righteousness is not something God has developed over time, like a habit, but it is his very nature. He is always perfectly aligned with his own holy standards, and this truth should fill us with awe and comfort, knowing that God is always exactly who he ought to be.

C.S. Lewis said, "The hardness of God is kinder than the softness of men, and his compulsion is our liberation." This quote highlights the often misunderstood nature of God’s righteousness. Because God is righteous, all his actions are rooted in perfect justice, even when they seem hard. Psalm 89:14 declares, "Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; steadfast love and faithfulness go before you." This means that everything God does is perfectly just, reflecting his care for creation. Consider how Jesus described God’s provision: God feeds the birds of the air and clothes the flowers of the field, and he will surely take care of us (Matthew 6:26-33). God’s righteous nature ensures that he meets our needs, and this should encourage us to seek his kingdom with confidence.

Yet, the righteousness of God also means that he must oppose sin and injustice. A.W. Tozer beautifully expressed this when he said, "God's justice stands forever against the sinner in utter severity. The vague and tenuous hope that God is too kind to punish the ungodly has become a deadly opiate for the consciences of millions." Tozer’s words remind us that God’s righteousness demands that sin be addressed and judged. Romans 2:6 reminds us, "He will repay each person according to what they have done." This aspect of God’s righteousness can be sobering, as it confronts our sin and the reality of divine judgment. However, the beauty of the gospel is that God’s righteousness and mercy intersect perfectly in Jesus Christ. God’s justice was satisfied on the cross, and his mercy was extended. Spurgeon said, "Justice and mercy have met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other."

There’s a profound truth and a relief of God’s righteousness. It assures us that he is always just, fair, and good, even when life feels chaotic or unfair. Let’s respond to his righteousness by striving to live justly, reflecting his character in our lives. Above all, let us look to the cross, where God’s righteousness and love beautifully converge, providing us with the ultimate assurance of our salvation. In a world that often feels unjust, we can rest in the knowledge that God’s righteous rule is our hope, our peace, and our ultimate justice.

Apply

Take a moment today and think about an area where you can actively live out God's righteousness. Whether it's in how you treat others, your decisions, or standing up for what is right, let your actions reflect God's just and fair nature. Make choices that emulate his nature.

Pray

Lord, I thank you for being perfectly righteous and just in all your ways. I want my life to reflect your character. Help me to make choices that honor you and to stand up for what is right, even when it’s difficult. Guide me to live justly in my actions, words, and decisions so that others may see your righteousness through me. In Jesus' name. Amen.