The love of mercy is another important part of the image of God, in whose image we are being created. God loves mercy. He Himself does not sin but He is merciful toward those who do.

We Christians do sin—many times. Yet, we often are unmerciful toward our fellow believers as well as toward the unbelievers. We are harsh, vengeful, angry, holding people to strict account for every infraction we notice.

When someone has caused us pain, and we cannot find it in our heart to forgive him or her, especially when he or she is asking for forgiveness, we are behaving unmercifully and unrighteously.

The righteous person forgives, covering human frailties and faults with the cloak of mercy. He is slow to anger, quick to forgive, always attempting to put matters in the best light for everyone's sake. Such is the way of righteousness.

Many so-called believers are hard of heart, being filled with avarice, meanness, bitterness, and hatred. Why is this? It is because they have been taught that the Lord Jesus is their ticket out of Hell and admission to Heaven no matter how they behave. The current evangelical teaching presents a lawless grace that often does not result in new creations of righteous behavior.

Walking humbly with God is the true meaning of the expression, "The just shall live by faith."

Behold, his soul which is lifted up is not upright in him: but the just [righteous] shall live by his faith. (Habakkuk 2:4)

The righteous shall live by his faith.

Each person on the earth continually is making a choice as to how he or she will maintain physical survival and security, will attain pleasure and joy, and will accomplish fruitfulness and enduring, worthwhile achievement. These are the three areas of motive and behavior found in the healthy human personality.

There are two different ways in which we can attempt to attain security, joy, and achievement. We can attain and maintain them through our own pride and abilities, especially with the accumulation of money, or we can walk humbly with God, trusting Him for our security, joy, and achievement.

To choose to ignore God and to conduct our own life apart from God is unrighteousness. To choose to submit to God's will in all three areas of our personality and life is righteousness in the sight of God.

What is righteous behavior in the believer, from the Lord's viewpoint?

First, to think, speak, and act in an honest, upright, straightforward, truthful attitude before God and man.

Second, to treat other people in a kindly, forgiving manner.

Third, to choose to look to God and submit to His will in obtaining material security, in seeking joy and happiness, and in attempting to enlarge our realm of influence and accomplish something enduring and worthwhile in life.

But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)

To be continued.