Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled.
Righteousness is one of those elusive biblical concepts. I believe American Protestant Christians often misunderstand it entirely.
I blame John Calvin. In his interpretations of Paul’s letters to the Roman church—or more accurately, his understanding of Martin Luther’s interpretation of Paul—Calvin views righteousness through a legal lens. This makes sense, as Calvin was a lawyer. However, his approach reduces much of Paul’s teaching to legal proceedings and courtroom transactions.
In Romans 4, Paul argues that righteousness does not come by works but by trusting God. God credits righteousness to those who believe, apart from works. Unfortunately, this has led American Protestant Christians to adopt a confessional faith that is, in practice, dead.
The American church often reduces faith to a list of confessions. These can be summarized in the sinner’s prayer, a prayer offered to new converts that goes something like this:
“Dear Lord Jesus, I know that I am a sinner, and I ask for Your forgiveness. I believe You died for my sins and rose from the dead. I turn from my sins and invite You to come into my heart and life. I want to trust and follow You as my Lord and Savior.”
Once this prayer is said, the individual is considered “saved.” They’ve confessed their sin, their belief in Jesus’ death and resurrection, and their trust in Him. With that, they’re washed in the blood, born again, and made righteous. No works required.
However, many then continue leading greedy, gluttonous, sinful lives, relying on quick confessions of forgiveness whenever caught sinning. They follow Calvin’s transactional view of faith, treating righteousness as a simple exchange: say the prayer, receive salvation. Transaction complete.
This perspective entirely misses the point of what Jesus was teaching. When He said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they will be filled,” He was referencing Isaiah 55:1–3:
“Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and you will delight in the richest of fare.
Give ear and come to me;
listen, that you may live.
I will make an everlasting covenant with you,
my faithful love promised to David.”
The Israelites were an oppressed people, many struggling just to find daily bread. In their desperation, they imitated their oppressors, striving to grow rich through work and business. Isaiah called them to a blessed life, painting a vision of the coming Messianic kingdom—a time when righteousness would reign.
So, what is righteousness? The Hebrew word tzedakah refers to a deep commitment to justice and fairness in all aspects of life. It includes social justice, good deeds, and upholding the law. Essentially, it’s about right standing both within the community and with God. In a righteous kingdom, there is no oppression or poverty; everyone shares in society’s benefits. There is no division between rich and poor, no hoarding of wealth, and no exploitation. The rich do not manipulate the system or corrupt the government and courts. Widows and orphans are cared for. Good works, like acts of charity, ensure the well-being of all.
I can already hear objections: “This doesn’t align with Americanized Christianity! We are made righteous through faith, not works.” But this objection stems from a misunderstanding of Paul’s teachings. When Paul dismissed “works,” he referred to works of the law—keeping kosher, sacrificing animals—not works of righteousness.
Righteousness has two components: right standing with God and right standing with others. Right standing with God no longer requires the old works of the law. It requires faith, but faith isn’t merely confessing beliefs; it involves following God’s teachings and living out His wisdom. Right standing with the community requires loving your neighbor and actively seeking their well-being. You cannot claim to love God while rejecting His commands to love one another.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness.” To live a fulfilled life and achieve your created purpose, you must hunger and thirst for righteousness. Like the oppressed people in Isaiah’s time, you must long for an end to oppression. Does your desire for social justice drive you to act? Does it compel you as hunger and thirst drive you to seek food and water?
Those who strive for a righteous society are promised a blessed life and assured that their hunger will be satisfied. They will be filled.
It’s time to stop merely confessing beliefs and start faithfully imitating Jesus. Jesus confronted the corrupt systems that oppressed others. He called us to care for our fellow human beings. He called us to act in love.
Are we doing that today?
