R STANDS FOR RIGHTEOUS IN THE EQUATION

Righteous is simply right thinking. I know, it's used disparagingly in these days. By some. Some who don't know.

It's first used in Genesis 15:6 where the Lord credited righteousness to Abram. For his belief in God. Abrahm's actions had demonstrated his obedience. Especially when he refused the spoils offered to him by the king of Sodom. But it was his faith and not his works that God noted.

Just as in our salvation, we can't get the horse before the cart. After we first believe and trust in the Lord, then we will want to perform good works. The good works will never save anyone. They will follow naturally as a new way of life.

In addition, we each have spiritual fruit unique to us as believers. We no longer are to envy others or be conceited. (Gal 5:26) That's not what we're about anymore. The fruit of the Holy Spirit, whom we received when we accepted Jesus as our savior, produces love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. (Gal 5:22-23)

And why are these fruits unique to us as believers? Because it's only through God's grace that we can attain them. God doesn't want us to be independent because He knows we would fail. But with His help we can make great strides in attaining them.

Will we always demonstrate these spiritual fruits? C'mon. No way: we love and trust God, but we're still human. We will fail. But God's there to catch us when we fall and restore us to righteousness. Praise Him.