Proverbs 12:17 He that speaketh truth sheweth forth righteousness: but a false witness deceit.

Righteousness is defined as many things in the Bible, but this verse instructs us that it is Truth; and not just truth, but speaking truth. Truth promotes righteousness, but wicked people speak deceit. A truly righteous person hates lies, and a truly wicked person hates truth.

1 John 2:29 If ye know that he [God] is righteous, ye know that every one that doeth righteousness is born of him.

KJV Brackets Mine

The evidence that you are born again or saved is by your lifestyle. Many people get up on Sunday and say they are born again, but Jesus said you will know them by their fruit. John tells us that righteousness is an action or demonstration in behavior. In other words, righteousness is something you “do” to other people! What is it that you do? Cause them to be in right standing with you because you are in right standing with God. How is this possible? Through forgiveness, reconciliation and redemption. Because you have been purchased and redeemed, forgiven and pardoned, then you are to do the same for everyone else; this is “doing righteousness”.

1 John 3:7 Little children, let no man deceive you: he that doeth righteousness is righteous, even as he is righteous.

John warn us that people can deceive you concerning the definition of righteousness. Righteousness is not going to church, singing in the choir, or even preaching a sermon. That is not doing righteousness. Jesus forgave all men’s sins, restored them to God and gave them an inheritance. He took their filthiness, perversion, hatred, lies and deception upon himself and then forgot their sins and is in right relationship with these same men. This is what “doing righteousness” is- forgiving your enemies, buying them food and clothing; extending mercy, feeding the poor and loving the unloveable.

1 John 3:10 In this the children of God are manifest, and the children of the devil: whosoever doeth not righteousness is not of God, neither he that loveth not his brother.

The revealing of the truth! The real evidence of Christianity is the righteousness which requires proof in action- loving your fellow man with your money, time and resources! Children of the devil go to church, sing in the choir, preach sermons, teach and even give tithes; but they never help anyone in need, they never forgive their enemies or family and they will not invest their time to love.

1 John 3:18 My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.

The proof that you are born again, is not that you tell anyone you love them, but that the community knows how much you love by demonstration. Righteousness is behavior, attitude and your lifestyle.

Beware! Do not let anyone deceive you- the true test of Christianity is speaking truth and a lifestyle of sacrifice for others. It takes faith to sell things and give them away to the poor. It takes faith to buy clothing and give to needy families. It takes faith to regularly feed hungry children and families! This is called righteousness by faith. Please make the decision today to “do righteousness” and prove your salvation.