In another thread there was the thought presented that we are righteous because God loves us.
I think that adequate concern has been already raised about some of the content of that post, but I would like to comment on the thought that the Father’s love for us and our practical righteousness are closely linked, especially in the area of personal relationships.
Jesus said that as the Father loved Him, so the Father loves us (John 17:23). Technically we know this verse is true but often we are not actually secure in our relationship with our loving Father. Just think if Eve, in the garden, had responded to satan with something like, "yes, the fruit of that tree looks very desirable and I don’t understand why God has withheld it from us. But this I know in my heart, the Father loves me and knows what is best.” How different the outcome would have been!
When it comes to personal relationships, outcomes can be equally different, because being secure in His love removes competition with brothers in Christ, family, friends, co-workers, and so on. In this way we are righteous because God loves us and we’re secure in His love.
The enemy tries to divide always by bringing doubt concerning the Father’s love for us.
In Christ,