“For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Cor 5:21; NKJV). Jesus, through his suffering and death on a cross bore the penalty for our sins so we could receive God’s righteousness. The Greek word translated as righteousness here, means to be right, to be in right standing with God or in line with his will in all things. God sees His Christian children as righteous. However, we need to grow in the revelation that we have God’s righteousness (2 Cor 5:21) and allow the fruit of righteousness to be seen in our lives (Phil 1:11). We are called to pursue righteousness (1 Tim 6:11), allowing God to discipline us (Heb 12:11), while studying the word which is: “profitable…. for instruction in righteousness” (2 Tim 3:16b; NKJV). We must allow the Holy Spirit to guide, direct and change us (Rom 8:4-6; 2 Cor 3:18). All of this must be undergirded by our faith (Phil 3:9; Rom 3:21-23). Righteousness brings life (Prov 11:19) and God delivers the righteous from affliction (Ps 34:19). The righteous are blessed (Ps 106:3, 5:12), they enjoy peace (Isa 32:17) and their prayers are powerful (James 5:16). “Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever” (Ps 112:6; NIV). Finally, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Prov 14:34; NKJV). Now, surely that last verse in itself is thought for the days we live in! Let’s us walk in God’s gift of righteousness.