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Righteousness

         Stand firm then … with the breastplate of righteousness in place, (Ephesians 6:14b)

Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God.  (II Corinthains 1:3-4)

          I sometimes hear that all religions are the same (or alike) because they all basically tell us the same thing. And, to an extent, that’s true. As I’ve said repeatedly, religions and philosophies are understandings of reality. It makes sense that all religions would have some variation on “Don’t murder.” What this means is that religion and philosophy deal with functioning within reality, which involves doing the right thing, or righteousness. And as today’s passage points out, righteousness protects the heart or will like a breastplate.

          Like truth, righteousness provides stability. Instead of having to choose from six options, you may find yourself with two, or one. It reduces fear and increases confidence. In other words, it strengthens and comforts. Rather than restricting one's behavior, righteousness undergirds the best, wisest, and strongest behavior.

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