Righteousness And Goodness: Is There a Difference?
As Christians, we have responsibilities to both God and people. With that in mind, we must focus on living a life of righteousness and goodness. What does that mean?
Righteousness comes from maintaining an obedient relationship with God. According to Peter, treating others gently and respectfully results in a life of goodness.
But do this in a gentle and respectful way. Keep your conscience clear. Then if people speak against you, they will be ashamed when they see what a good life you live because you belong to Christ. 1 Peter 3:16
That definition of goodness holds true in most circles and cultures of life. People usually don’t speak ill of those who fit that definition. Thus, Peter asked a valid but rhetorical question.
Now, who will want to harm you if you are eager to do good? 1 Peter 3:13
Most of us know people we consider good. They offer help when they see a need and will stand by us when we face despair. I often hear people described by others as a “good person.”
Most people we rub shoulders with fit into our definition of good. Goodness, however, stops when we breathe our last breath. This is where righteousness and goodness differ.
Being a good person doesn’t automatically make them a person of righteousness. Righteous comes from the root word “right,” which branches off into many definitions.
One source defines righteous as morally right or justifiable. Others refer to it as correct, perfect, proper, sure, and true. Our society doesn’t agree on many of the things that define righteousness.
Being Righteous Defines God’s People
Righteousness doesn’t define those who don’t have a relationship with God. But their lives can reflect goodness to others. God, though, expects the trait of goodness to reside in Christians.
The Holy Spirit produces this kind of fruit in our lives: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. There is no law against these things! Galatians 5:22-23
Goodness grows in our lives through our relationship with the Lord. Righteousness, on the other hand, becomes a part of us because of our relationship with Him.
The simple biblical definition of righteous means doing what is right in God’s eyes. Unlike goodness, a person of righteousness may receive the opposite of praise from others.
But even if you suffer for doing what is right, God will reward you for it. So don’t worry or be afraid of their threats. 1 Peter 3:14
Our hope as believers revolves around the fact that we will spend eternity with our Savior Jesus. The world doesn’t understand that, so Peter said we must stay ready to explain our hope.
Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your life. And if someone asks about your hope as a believer, always be ready to explain it. . 1 Peter 3:15
So, how do we explain it? Do we bluntly tell them if they don’t accept Jesus into their lives, they will burn in hell forever? That sounds more like righteous indignation than an explanation.
It certainly points to the truth but lacks gentleness and completely misses respectfulness. We should give the facts of salvation by coming from the other direction.
What Causes Our Righteousness?
Our righteousness comes from the love of God. He loved us so much that He gave His only Son to die so we can live. By accepting what Jesus did on the cross, you can spend eternity with Him.
Those who don’t accept Him will completely miss the righteousness of God. Instead, they will suffer eternal separation from the Lord in total darkness and torment.
Peter probably learned that hitting someone over the head with the gospel usually doesn’t effectively reach them. People also can frown upon us sharing salvation gently and respectably.
Peter personally witnessed Jesus give the Great Commission. After his encounter with the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, he continuously applied that Commission. It didn’t matter how people responded.
God will reward you, whether you suffer vocal persecution or a physical altercation, for works of righteousness. You can, however, bring shame to them, not by a rebuttal, but by doing good.
Some Christians and even some denominations feel we must suffer for God. The New Testament mentions suffering comes because of persecution from the world more than any other reason.
Remember, it is better to suffer for doing good, if that is what God wants, than to suffer for doing wrong! 1 Peter 3:17
In other words, God justifies when Christians suffer because of their righteousness. But if they suffer because of wrongdoing, they deserve the punishment they receive.
The secular world today criticizes Christians because of many questionable actions. The behavior and attitude of these so-called Christians exhibit to the world a warped view of righteousness.
How Do We Live a Life of Goodness and Righteousness?
Peter described in this chapter how we should live a life of goodness and righteousness. It comes down to two things. Our relationship with God through Jesus must always come first.
The second way we display our righteousness comes down to how good we treat one another. Peter explained exactly what that should look like and the attitude that should accompany it.
- All of you should be of one mind.
- Sympathize with each other.
- Love each other as brothers and sisters.
- Be tenderhearted, and keep a humble attitude.
- Don’t repay evil for evil.
- Don’t retaliate with insults when people insult you.
- Instead, pay them back with a blessing.
- That is what God has called you to do, and he will grant you his blessing. 1 Peter 3:8-9
Lord, we don’t want to conform to this world, but many of us need to change our attitudes. Therefore help us to please you by living a life of righteousness.
Check out these related posts on getting your life right with God
- How To Be A Remnant Of God
- Jesus Is The Ultimate Sacrifice For All Eternity
- Receiving Salvation In The Lord Is Made Easy
- Who Can Be Saved?
- Born Into The Family Of God
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