There’s something powerful about living with a heart that’s right before God. In Ephesians 6:14, Paul reminds us to “Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness…” Truth and righteousness go hand in hand—truth reveals where we stand, and righteousness helps us stay there.
Righteousness protects what truth reveals.
When we let God’s truth search our hearts, it often exposes things we’d rather not see—wounds, pride, fears, or sin. But God doesn’t reveal those things to condemn us; He reveals them so He can heal us. His righteousness becomes the covering that protects us from the enemy’s lies and guides us into right living that glorifies Him.
Righteousness is not earned—it’s received.
We can’t work hard enough, behave well enough, or do enough good to become righteous on our own. Righteousness is a gift—given through Jesus and received by faith. When we stop striving to prove ourselves and instead rest in His finished work, we find freedom. Grace reminds us that our standing with God isn’t about what we do, but what Christ has already done.
Righteousness must be practiced to be powerful.
It’s one thing to know we’re made righteous in Christ; it’s another to live it out daily. Every choice to forgive, to serve, to speak truth, and to love others is a way of walking in righteousness. The more we practice it, the stronger we stand. Our faith becomes visible—not just in words, but in deeds also.
So today, ask God to help you live right with a right heart. Let His truth shape you and His righteousness cover you. When you do, you’ll find the strength and the stamina to stand your ground.
With grace and love,
Pastor Brant
