In 1 John 3, the apostle discusses the importance of being “righteous.” 

Our society hates the idea of righteousness. In fact, it has equated it with being “self-righteous.” Being self-righteous is thinking you are better than others and looking down your nose at them with a dripping sense of moral superiority.

But that’s not what the Bible means by “righteousness.” In fact, in the Bible it’s a very, very good thing!

The word “righteousness” can carry a different nuance in different contexts. In 1 John 3 it refers to living in a way that is “right” before God and others. It’s honouring God and being gracious and truthful with the people around us.

Then in verse 10 he says this: “By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.”

Notice how the apostle makes a connection between righteousness and loving one’s brother (or sister). 

The reason this is important to see this is because righteousness includes love. If we are striving for righteousness—which, according to the Bible, is a very good thing to do—but are lacking love, then we’re missing something essential.

Let me make what you might think is a silly analogy. Think of a peanut butter and jam sandwich. If you take out the jam it’s no longer PB and J. They both need to be present! In a similar way, if you take love away something essential is missing. You might think you’re “righteous,” but you’re not. You’ve taken out one of the main ingredients.

Let’s strive to live in a way that is right before God and others. And let’s do so with a spirit of humility of love.

“By this it is evident who are the children of God, and who are the children of the devil: whoever does not practice righteousness is not of God, nor is the one who does not love his brother.”

Notes:

-“Fasting: Spiritual muscle.” Click here for the podcast.

-Bible quotes are from the ESV.