Together in Christ: 'Pursuing Righteousness and Unfailing Love' — Proverbs 21:21

As followers of Jesus, we yearn to bring honor to our families, our churches, and our friends. We want to be a blessing. We want our lives to matter. We want to make a difference for good as we honor God. Sometimes, we seek to do this through personal achievements, fame, social media attention, and professional awards. These are human ways to indicate that we have lived a life of distinction, significance, and expertise.

While those honors can be important, the one honor that sticks with us forever is living a righteous life of unfailing love. As Paul emphasized in his beautiful tribute to love in 1 Corinthians 13, real love — JesuStyle love, ἀγάπη (agape) kind of love — doesn't fail: It lasts forever. ^[1] Myriads of people may not recognize our faces or know us by name, but those whom our righteousness and love have touched will remember how we have loved them and supported them for their good. They will recognize the "aroma of Christ" and the goodness of God in us and blessing them through us. ^[2]

How do I know this is true? How can you be sure that "righteousness and unfailing love" bring "life, righteousness, and honor"? Because this is the way Jesus lived! ^[3] And, this is the way Jesus called me to live, ^[4] and this is the kind of people God exalts! ^[5] Hear again the promise of God about living a life that matters, forever:

Whoever pursues righteousness and unfailing love will find life, righteousness, and honor.