“If you know that He is righteous, you may be sure that everyone who practices righteousness has been born of Him.” 1 John 2:29
As I read this verse, I thought about some dear friends and their faith journey. They had grown up attending church but drifted away as adults. After their son was born, they decided to take him to church, hoping he would benefit from its influence. That is a common story. Many parents want their children to grow up with a solid moral foundation and a church community.
Over the years, my friends faithfully attended, volunteered, and served in many areas of the church. Eventually, the husband was even asked to serve as a deacon. Then, during a visit with a Christian friend, both of them came to a genuine saving faith in Jesus Christ. Praise God!
That experience raises an important question: How could people who were not yet believers become trusted leaders in a church?
The answer is that outward morality can sometimes be mistaken for biblical righteousness. They were kind, responsible, law-abiding people who sincerely desired to do good. But biblical righteousness is more than good behavior. It begins with a right relationship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
As we continue reading 1 John, we find that lawlessness is presented as the opposite of righteousness. Lawlessness is not simply breaking human laws; it is living independently of God’s rule and rejecting His standards. Through repentance and faith, we are forgiven because of Christ’s sacrifice. As the Holy Spirit transforms us, our lives begin to reflect the character of Jesus. Righteous living is not what earns our salvation—it is evidence that we have been born of God.
If I obey the speed limit, pay my taxes, and don’t litter, I may be considered a good citizen. But if I fail to love my neighbor as myself, refuse to forgive others, or treat people unfairly, I am not reflecting God’s righteousness. Our actions and attitudes reveal the condition of our hearts.
Jesus said, “By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another” (John 13:35). Likewise, John the Baptist urged people to “Bear fruit in keeping with repentance” (Matthew 3:8). Genuine faith always produces visible fruit.
The church, therefore, is not called to be a gathering of merely respectable, law-abiding people. It is called to be a community of men and women who have been transformed by Christ and whose lives increasingly reflect His righteousness. May we seek not merely to appear good before others, but to know Christ deeply and allow His Spirit to produce His righteousness in us.
Reflection: Am I relying on being a “good person,” or is my life demonstrating the fruit of a genuine relationship with Jesus Christ?
Prayer: Lord, search my heart. May my life reflect the righteousness that comes from knowing You. Help me to bear fruit in keeping with repentance. In Jesus name. Amen
