Growing in RighteousnessSample

Justice: Just nice or really important?

Jesus has called his disciples and is speaking to them. Together they are sitting on a mountainside, and we know this speech as "The Sermon on the Mount” (Matthew 5-7). Perhaps the most important sermon of all time.

In these chapters we come across the word 'righteousness' several times. Jesus talks about "hunger and thirst for righteousness," or about "being persecuted for righteousness." Or - in the verse we read today "righteousness that is more abundant than..."

The God we serve is a God of righteousness. Righteousness is about uprightness, goodness, virtue, and moral rightness. Opposed to that, of course, is injustice, that which is crooked, that which is wrong. Law and justice are about acting fairly, equitably, doing that which you should do and then not holding back.

It is worth searching the Bible for the word "righteousness." It is very common and tells us a lot about who God is. His being, His nature and character, is always righteous—good, right, and just. In Him there is no wrongdoing. He is total integrity, goodness, and uprightness. His Kingdom is a kingdom of righteousness. What about you? Do righteousness and justice characterize you?

The disciples were sitting there on that mountainside, listening to Jesus’ teaching. They probably were just on their way with Jesus. Following Him, learning from Him, wanting to become like Him. That was a process, a learning journey, but they rose to the challenge.

And so may you do today. Going after Jesus, following Him. Learn from who He is - God of righteousness - and becoming more like Him.

Over the next few days, we will focus on themes related to this Biblical principle. Each day we will also present a challenge, because the best way to learn is to put it into practice.

To think about:

• What do you think of when you think of "righteousness" and "justice"? Make a list (in your notes, for example) of words you think of.
• Do you know someone who has a heart for righteousness, for justice? If so, what do you see in that person? How does that person look like Jesus?
• What specifically would you like to grow in when you think about righteousness?

Prayer:

"Lord, You taught Your disciples, righteousness and justice have a big place in Your teaching. Lord, I would like to discover and learn more about that, and grow in it. Will You take me and teach me in the coming days? Like the disciples then, I want to become like You. Here I am Lord. Amen"