I have written an Op to K-Love programing in the past. I do love K-Love. I truly do. My wife and I listen to it regularly. In general, I do like their programming and their messaging and I do really enjoy the music. However, yesterday something caught my attention. 

Here is the message that was repeated throughout the day:

“You are not a good person” Scripture reference: Romans 3:23 

Inherently this is not incorrect. Paul does state earlier in that chapter that we have become worthless and there is no one who does good. However, when I heard it, it felt shaming. I did not like it. That message is certainly not encouraging now is it? Second, the messaging is scripturally not the focus. Honestly, I can not tell you what else the “encouraging word of the day” had to say. I stopped listening every time. Here is why this matters.

Romans 3:23 NIV

for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God

This scripture is about Righteousness and Justice. This scripture is not about whether you are a good person. 

Bad Doesn’t Fix Things On It’s Own

Falling short of the glory of God is not just the sin of doing bad things or not being a good person. It is humanity failing to walk in the image of God. 

Injustice
Pride
Exploitation
Hatred
Dishonesty

These are all examples of humanity falling short of the glory of God. Justice matters because injustice is an expression of humanity failing short of the glory of God.

Goodness is often related to outwardly visible demonstrations

Helpful to others
Shows mercy
Desires what is true
Acts lovingly

Righteousness is more about being connected to God’s Standard in reflecting his character.

Justice
Truth
Holiness
Faithfullness
Obedience to God

Mark 10:18 NIV

“Why do you call me good?” Jesus answered. “No one is good—except God alone.

This scripture states:

Human Goodness is incomplete.

God’s Righteousness is perfect.

Who will fix this?

Jesus fixes it. How?

With his Grace.

Righteousness is granted by God. It is a gift. It is His Grace. We are granted Grace through our growth and transformation. Goodness is the visible FRUIT of being reshaped by Grace.

The story flows like this:

1. God creates humanity in goodness.
2. Humanity falls short.
3. Justice reveals the problem.
4. Grace provides restoration.
5. Righteousness is restored.
6. People begin reflecting God again.

7. Goodness becomes the FRUIT of restored Righteousness.