The Fruit of Righteousness

Isaiah 32:17-18

“The fruit of that righteousness will be peace; its effect will be quietness and confidence forever. 18 My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.”

Romans 14:17

“For the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…”

What wonderful truths are disclosed in these two passages! Before I was saved I never dreamed peace and fulfillment was so readily and easily available to me (see December 5 devotional). Yet, I have been so richly blessed to be experiencing it for years.

I realize I have no righteousness of my own, but in Christ I have the righteousness of God (2 Corinthians 5:21). Before I was born again, I thought it must be pretty boring to be a Christian always trying to do the right thing, and probably impossible to achieve anyway.

Jesus said to, “…seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.” Isaiah, in verse 18 above, says, “My people will live in peaceful dwelling places, in secure homes, in undisturbed places of rest.” Paul assures us, “the kingdom of God is not a matter of eating and drinking, but of righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit…”

Can I just tell you, in my experience, this is a wonderful, Kingdom of God way of abundant life!?! Before I gave my life to Jesus, I never really knew peace, joy and righteousness. Do you have it?

TODAY’S CHALLENGE:

Tell the Father you want to experience all of the fruit of the Kingdom that He has made available to you in the righteousness of His Son, Jesus, by His Holy Spirit.

Dive Deeper: Study Isaiah 32; Romans 14:17; 2 Corinthians 5:21; John 10:10.