Topic: You Are Righteous [Joyce Meyer Devotional 21 March 2021]
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For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One).— Romans 5:17 (AMPC)
God wants us to think, speak, and behave rightly, so He gives us what we need—righteousness—in order to do those things. He never requires or expects us to do something without giving us what we need to do it. And even though we’ve sinned, thank God our sins could never outweigh His amazing, free gifts of righteousness and forgiveness!
The fruit of your life can’t be any greater than what you believe you are, so you need to learn to think about and believe that you’ve been made righteous in Christ. If you think all the time that something’s wrong with you, then you’ll keep acting accordingly, but when you start to truly believe you’re right with God and that He’s working in you (see Philippians 2:13), you’ll be able to produce more and more right, godly behavior.
Prayer Starter: Father, thank You for making me right with You, and for giving me the ability and grace to make right decisions today. Help me always remember that You’re working in me, and that all my strength comes from You. In Jesus’ name, amen.