Righteousness that walks

“If your neighbour is poor and gives you his cloak as security for a loan, do not keep the cloak overnight... and the Lord your God will count you as righteous.” -  Deuteronomy 24:12–13 (NLT)

 

We know that a man is declared righteous by grace and by faith, not by works of the law. As Paul writes: “For we hold that a person is justified by faith apart from the works prescribed by the law.” - Romans 3:28 (NRSV)

 

Abraham himself was declared righteous because of his faith: “Abraham believed God, and it was credited to him as righteousness.” - Romans 4:3

 

Yet, faith that truly trusts in God does not remain idle. It overflows into action—not to earn righteousness, but to express it. The verse in Deuteronomy 24 paints a vivid picture: a poor man, perhaps without a home, gives his cloak as security for a small loan. God commands that this cloak be returned before sunset, so the man can sleep warm. The action is small, but God sees it—and calls it righteous.

 

This tells us something profound: in God’s eyes, righteousness is not only about our position before Him, it is reflected in how we treat others, especially the poor, vulnerable, and oppressed. A heart of compassion.

But we also see the heart of God. A God who is loving, caring and compassionate. 

 

Righteousness in Action

 

The Bible consistently portrays the righteous person as one who lives out justice, compassion, and humility.

 

Psalm 112:4–5 - “They are gracious, merciful, and righteous... they deal generously and lend, and conduct their affairs with justice.”

 

Isaiah 1:17 - “Learn to do good; seek justice, rescue the oppressed, defend the orphan, plead for the widow.”

 

Micah 6:8 - “He has told you... what is good: to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.”

 

In the New Testament, Jesus describes the final judgement in Matthew 25:35–40, saying that the righteous are those who fed the hungry, gave drink to the thirsty, welcomed the stranger, and clothed the naked. He adds: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

 

This echoes the heart of the Deuteronomy passage. Righteousness walks—it clothes, feeds, defends, uplifts.

 

Job, described as “blameless and upright” (Job 1:1), gives a powerful account of what righteousness looked like in his life:

 

“I rescued the poor who cried for help, and the fatherless who had none to assist them... I was eyes to the blind and feet to the lame.” -  Job 29:12–15. We seldom hear of this about Job.

 

Job wasn’t righteous because he was wealthy or pious in appearance, but because his life was marked by active mercy and justice.

 

Faith that works through love

 

Paul affirms in Galatians: “The only thing that counts is faith working through love.” Galatians 5:6. James adds: “Faith by itself, if it has no works, is dead.” - James 2:17. Again, it’s not that works save us—but true, living faith will always produce loving action.

 

Application

 

What does this mean for us today?

 

• Have I allowed my faith to become passive or disconnected from people’s real needs?
• Am I showing mercy when I have the power to withhold it?
• Is there someone who needs practical help, encouragement, or restoration?

You don’t need to be rich or powerful to be righteous—you simply need a heart that reflects God’s mercy. A warm coat. A listening ear. A lifted burden. These are acts God delights in.

 

Prayer

 

Lord, thank You that I am made righteous through faith, not by my own efforts. But let my faith never become cold or detached. Open my eyes to those in need. Give me a heart that loves justice, acts with compassion, and walks humbly with You. May my daily actions reflect the righteousness You have given me by grace.

 

In Jesus Name, Amen.