Romans 3:22 This righteousness is given through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference between Jew and Gentile,

A man and a woman make a baby. Because of unresolved issues, the man leaves the woman while she’s pregnant. The man doesn’t show up for the child’s birth, he doesn’t send any money, he doesn’t show up for the child’s events, and he doesn’t send the child gifts. Regardless of the man’s poor, selfish behavior, the man is still the child’s biological father. He’s still the father and no one can take that away from him. 

Likewise with our righteousness (right standing with God). When we accept Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have been made righteous. Our belief in Him makes us righteous. Our behavior may not reflect our right standing with God, but nevertheless, we are righteous. And like the father in the example above, no one can judge, criticize, or take our righteousness away. 

Don’t be misunderstood, God abhors our behavior contrary to His Word, but in spite of our behavior, He still loves us, desires to bless us, and views us as righteous. Don’t let your heart be condemned. Know that God loves you and know that you are righteous. 

Inspired by Apostle F. Price